Chelsea eye surprise €92m striker deal as contract talks confirmed

Cameron Smith

• 10 Feb 2026 06:31 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

Chelsea are reportedly among a host of elite European clubs interested in signing Bournemouth wonderkid Eli Junior Kroupi this summer.

The 19-year-old striker has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign under Andoni Iraola, scoring eight goals in 20 Premier League appearances, and his form is being closely monitored by a plethora of top teams.

Bournemouth fought off immense competition to finalise a deal for Kroupi last year and they have now initiated talks over a “bumper new deal”, according to The Sun.

The France U21 international’s current contract at Bournemouth isn’t due to expire until 2030, but the Cherries are keen to finalise fresh terms with the teenager in a similar vein to the new deal Antoine Semenyo signed last summer before his winter move to Manchester City.

It’s claimed that Bournemouth believe Kroupi will become their first-ever €92 million (£80m) player and they are eager to agree renewed terms with the forward as Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are all tracking his development.

As per The Sun, Chelsea and Real Madrid have regularly sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old in action in recent months as both clubs prepare for a bidding war during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Eli Junior Kroupi to join Chelsea?

Chelsea’s interest in Kroupi comes amid their continued pursuit of the best young talents across European football.

The Blues have already agreed deals for striker duo Emmanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpaev to join the club from Strasbourg and Kairat Almaty respectively this summer, but they have reportedly now added Kroupi to their transfer wishlist ahead of the upcoming window.

Liam Rosenior’s side are also interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, with the club keen to land a new centre forward amid Liam Delap’s struggles since his arrival from Ipswich Town last June.

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