Chelsea are "really keen" on signing AFC Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, following his performance in the 2-1 win against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Kroupi catches the eye as Bournemouth win at Arsenal
Bournemouth dented Arsenal's hopes of winning the Premier League title with a surprise victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, and Kroupi opened the scoring for the visitors in the 17th minute, after a clever sequence of play.
In doing so, the 19-year-old became just the second teenager to reach 10 goals in a single Premier League season, having impressed throughout the campaign, receiving major plaudits from scout Jacek Kulig back in January.
Since taking the reins from Roman Abramovich, BlueCo have focused on bringing in younger players, but the policy hasn't always paid dividends, with Liam Delap struggling in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Delap has just one goal to his name in 22 Premier League appearances, and he has fallen down the pecking order, with Joao Pedro predominantly being given the nod at centre-forward.
Chelsea preparing move for Kroupi amid Delap's struggles
With that in mind, the Blues may need to bring in a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they are now preparing a move for Kroupi, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Bournemouth could hold out for around £55m - £60m.
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The youngster has seemingly been identified as one of Chelsea's top targets, with the report stating he is 'very high' on their shortlist, but there could be competition for his signature from rivals Liverpool, who are also credited with a major interest.
A Caught Offside source added: “Liverpool and Chelsea have a very concrete interest, they’re both really keen to make a deal happen this summer and are looking into it."
Another source said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool have already had some conversations. Richard Hughes has a good relationship with his former club and will be on the phone to his counterparts there after that performance yesterday.”
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The race is heating up.
The French striker is averaging 0.72 goals per 90 in the Premier League, which is the highest number in the Bournemouth squad, and he has earned plaudits from manager Andoni Iraola, who said after a victory against Nottingham Forest: "It's his way of playing, he's a great finisher.
"I think if he smells the chance of finishing, right foot, left foot, close, far, whatever, he will take it, I think it’s his strength and obviously happy for him.