Chelsea and Arsenal Compete for Bournemouth Forward

Chelsea wants to stay updated on Eli Junior Kroupi’s status this summer, even though Bournemouth are currently insisting that their 19‑year‑old star is not for sale.

Arsenal have also been monitoring the teenager, a development that would be noteworthy if he joined them, after his goal against Manchester City on Tuesday helped secure Mikel Arteta’s side as Premier League champions for the first time since before he was born.

Bournemouth have used Kroupi in the No 10 and No 9 roles, and he can also operate on the left wing. His 13 Premier League goals are a new record for a teenager in his debut season, surpassing Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.

While Chelsea have openly stated that they are now looking for “ready‑made” signings ahead of a busy first summer under Xabi Alonso, that does not mean they will ignore emerging talents entirely.

Kroupi is young, but he 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.

Before joining Bournemouth, Kroupi scored 23 goals in 32 games for Lorient last season, helping the club secure promotion to Ligue 1. The French youngster recently switched to the representation of agent Moussa Sissoko, who also manages Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki and others.

Bournemouth sources say Kroupi is not for sale and that the club is not interested in selling him. Under Iraola, who will leave 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.