Eli Kroupi Junior has been one of the best young players in the Premier League this season and the Bournemouth attacker is already beginning to attract serious transfer interest
Eli Junior Kroupi warms up before a Bournemouth game
Eli Junior Kroupi has made a big impact at Bournemouth(Image: Ryan Pierse)
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Bournemouth are understood to harbour concerns that Eli Junior Kroupi could be lured away by an elite club in the summer following a remarkable debut season for the young striker in the Premier League.
Kroupi has emerged as the Cherries' latest gem after moving to the south coast for £12million and has helped fill the goalscoring void left by Antoine Semenyo following his January transfer to Manchester City. The 19-year-old has 12 goals to his name already this term, becoming the first teenager to hit double figures in a maiden Premier League campaign since Robbie Fowler back in 1993-94.
Bournemouth stand to profit from Kroupi's potency in front of goal with European football next term as they sit in a strong position for a top-six finish with just a couple of domestic games remaining. However, the vultures are already beginning to circle when it comes to the former Lorient man.
Interest from Arsenal emerged earlier this month while other members of the Premier League's elite, including Manchester City, are also admirers of the France Under-21 international.
BBC Sport report that Bournemouth are not anticipating to have a host of their top stars cherry-picked this summer, but there is 'concern' that they may lose Kroupi, with 'several Champions League teams' registering an interest in the youngster.
In terms of other stars who could attract suitors, the club are working to renew Alex Scott's contract, while Rayan, a mid-season arrival from Vasco da Gama, is said to be keen on staying with the Cherries after hitting the ground running in England.
Losing Kroupi would be a bitter blow for Bournemouth, who have exceeded all expectations by continuing to excel despite the sale of key figures over the past 12 months, including Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Semenyo.
Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates after scoring a goal for Bournemouth
Arsenal are among the teams keeping tabs on Kroupi(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Arsenal will be required to make sales before investing again in a squad which was supplemented with £250m worth of additions last summer. They also spent big on Viktor Gyokeres, paying £63m to bring the striker in from Sporting Lisbon.
The Gunners are, though, still expected to target attackers in the upcoming transfer window with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Sunday's matchwinner against West Ham, Leandro Trossard, all facing uncertain futures.
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