Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the pursuit of Eli Kroupi, the 18-year-old striker who enjoyed a breakthrough season with Bournemouth, according to reports in the Daily Mail. Kroupi scored 13 Premier League goals this season, a record for any teenager in their debut campaign, attracting significant attention from top clubs.
Arsenal’s interest followed their recent Premier League title win, with the Gunners potentially looking to bolster their attacking options. However, Chelsea have now also requested to be kept informed regarding any developments surrounding Kroupi’s future this summer. Bournemouth have publicly stated they are unwilling to sell Kroupi at any price, even following the departure of manager Andoni Iraola.
In separate news, Sandro Tonali’s potential exit from Newcastle United appears less likely after Manchester United reportedly cooled their interest. Tonali’s form has dipped recently, raising doubts about whether clubs will meet Newcastle’s asking price of over €90 million and the player’s wage demands. The situation may be further influenced by the potential availability of Elliot Anderson, a target for both Manchester United and Manchester City.
Barcelona’s director, Deco, has not ruled out a move for Chelsea’s Joao Pedro following Robert Lewandowski’s impending departure. When questioned about potential replacements for the Polish striker, Deco stated the club is “not ruling anyone out, nor are we signing anyone,” emphasizing a period of evaluation before strengthening the squad. He acknowledged the need to reinforce the team after losing a key player like Lewandowski.
Manchester United may also pursue Shea Charles, the Southampton midfielder, following the club’s expulsion from the Championship play-offs due to a ‘Spygate’ controversy. United have reportedly been monitoring Charles throughout the season, and The Mirror suggests they could now intensify their interest. The 22-year-old is valued at around £20 million, having joined Southampton from Manchester City in 2023.
