Chelsea reportedly want to be 'kept informed' of Eli Junior Kroupi’s situation during the summer transfer window after London rivals Arsenal emerged as contenders to sign the record-breaking star.
The Frenchman joined Bournemouth last summer and has netted 13 Premier League goals, a record for a teenager in a debut season. The record had previously been jointly held by Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.
It was reported earlier this week the Gunners had scope to make one marquee signing in the upcoming transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad after winning the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
Kroupi, who is valued at around £80m, has already proven himself to be a prolific goalscorer, as he netted 23 times in 32 games for Lorient last season as they were promoted to Ligue 1.
Chelsea keeping tabs on Eli Junior Kroupi
AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
Chelsea's transfer approach in recent years has focused on signing some of the world's best young talent. This summer, they are keen to add more 'ready made' stars to their squad.
However, The Mail reports the Stamford Bridge outfit will not completely move away from signing emerging stars and Kroupi is one name they are keeping an eye on.
The 'elite finisher' has played a huge role in helping the Cherries qualify for European football next season, with the club's last league defeat coming all the way back in January.
Bournemouth still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League which could have a significant impact on where Kroupi is playing next season.
Bournemouth insist Eli Junior Kroupi 'not for sale'
Andoni Iraola
The Cherries do not want to sell Kroupi this summer, with manager Andoni Iraola leaving the club after Sunday's clash at Nottingham Forest.
Bournemouth can secure Champions League by two methods this weekend, but they will need results elsewhere to go their way. If they beat Forest and Liverpool lose to Brentford, along with a seven-goal swing across both games, they will finish fifth above the Reds.
Another avenue is for Liverpool to beat Brentford and for Aston Villa to lose to Manchester City. That combination of results would see Villa drop to fifth and with Unai Emery's side winning the Europa League in midweek, the fifth-placed qualification spot would be handed to the team who finish sixth.
Bournemouth are sixth heading into the final weekend and if Villa finish fifth, the Cherries just need to match or better Brighton's result to remain above the Seagulls.
With Kroupi attracting interest from several clubs, the final weekend of the campaign could have a huge impact on the forward's immediate future. However, the Cherries would struggle to resist an offer in the region of £80m, with or without Champions League football.
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