Chelsea Join Arsenal In Race For Bournemouth Forward

Chelsea want to be kept informed on Eli Junior Kroupi’s situation this summer, though Bournemouth are currently insisting their 19-year-old sensation is not for sale.

Arsenal have also been tracking the teenager, which would be some story if he joined them, after his goal against Manchester City on Tuesday helped confirm Mikel Arteta’s side as Premier League champions for the first time since before he was born.

Bournemouth have used the versatile Kroupi as a No 10 and a No 9, though he can also be used towards the left wing. His 13 Premier League goals are a new record for a teenager in his debut season, overtaking Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.

While Chelsea have openly said they are now searching for ‘ready-made’ signings ahead of a busy first summer under Xabi Alonso, that does not mean they will be disregarding emerging talents entirely.

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Kroupi is young, though has already shown his promise in the Premier League under Andoni Iraola, who was one of the candidates interviewed by Chelsea before they hired Alonso.

Prior to joining Bournemouth, Kroupi scored 23 goals in 32 games for Lorient last season to help secure promotion to Ligue 1. The French youngster recently changed to be represented by the agent, Moussa Sissoko, who also looks after Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and more.

Bournemouth sources, however, say Kroupi is not for sale and that they are not interested in selling. Under Iraola, who will be leaving at the end of this season to be replaced by Marco Rose, they have now secured European football for next term.

Chelsea still need to win away at Sunderland this Sunday to confirm qualification for a competition in Europe.