From Dispatch Room
Bournemouth have reportedly raised their asking price for highly-rated forward Eli Junior Kroupi amid growing interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
The 19-year-old French striker has become one of the Premier League’s most exciting young forwards after an impressive debut season with Bournemouth, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and attracting attention from several top European clubs.
Earlier reports suggested Bournemouth valued Kroupi at around £80 million, but the latest reports indicate the Cherries now want around €100 million, approximately £86 million, to consider a sale. Some reports have suggested Bournemouth may demand more than £100 million this summer if pressure from interested clubs intensifies.
The key clarification is that Arsenal have not set the price. Bournemouth are the club setting the valuation, and Chelsea’s reported approach has helped strengthen Bournemouth’s position in any possible negotiations.
Arsenal are believed to admire Kroupi as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options, while Chelsea, Liverpool and PSG have also been linked with the France Under-21 international.
However, Bournemouth are said to be determined to keep Kroupi for at least another season, especially after his strong first campaign in English football and his growing importance to the club’s long-term plans.
The player’s rapid rise has made him one of the most closely watched young attackers in Europe, but any club hoping to sign him this summer may now have to produce an exceptional offer.
With the transfer window gathering momentum, Arsenal and Chelsea will have to decide whether to meet Bournemouth’s rising valuation or turn to alternative attacking targets.
— Newspot Nigeria
