Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly a personal admirer of Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, with the Premier League champions monitoring a potential summer move for the 19-year-old. According to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Guardiola has been charmed by the forward's attacking talent, and the interest is endorsed by the club's recruitment team, with sporting director Hugo Viana having recently met with the player's agents.
Bournemouth, however, are expected to demand a fee in the region of €80 million (£69.3 million) for their young star, who only joined from Lorient for around £10 million last summer. Kroupi has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in England, scoring 11 Premier League goals and establishing himself as one of the most promising young forwards in the division. His form has attracted widespread attention, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
Manchester United are also understood to be keen on Kroupi, with TEAMtalk reporting that their scouts have watched him closely this season. The Red Devils are said to be targeting a versatile forward, a profile Kroupi fits. Furthermore, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all reportedly tracking the player's development, indicating significant competition should Bournemouth decide to entertain offers.
For City, any serious move for Kroupi may be contingent on departures from their own attacking ranks this summer. The club has not ruled out a deal despite the substantial price tag, viewing the Bournemouth player as a potential long-term asset. City previously raided Bournemouth for winger Antoine Semenyo last summer, and a similar dynamic could unfold with Kroupi, though the fee would be substantially higher.
The Cherries, currently seventh and chasing European qualification, will be reluctant to lose another key attacker. The reported €80 million valuation reflects both Kroupi's immediate impact and his vast potential. Whether any suitor is willing to meet that figure remains to be seen, but his performances this season have undoubtedly placed him on the radar of the league's elite clubs.
Kroupi's focus will be on finishing Bournemouth's season strongly as they push for a possible Champions League place. His future, however, is likely to become a major subplot of the upcoming transfer window, with Guardiola's reported personal interest adding considerable weight to City's potential pursuit.
