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Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has urged his old club to step up their pursuit of Eli Junior Kroupi, the highly rated 19-year-old forward currently starring at AFC Bournemouth, amid intensifying interest from Manchester City and other European clubs. The forward\u2019s breakout Premier League season has sparked a summer race for his signature, with Chelsea now being encouraged to capitalise before City make a move.<\/p>\n
Kroupi, who joined Bournemouth from FC Lorient last year, has quickly become one of English football\u2019s most exciting young talents, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League appearances and becoming the first teenager to hit double figures in his debut top-flight season in over two decades.<\/p>\n
Reports from transfer insiders suggest that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team are closely monitoring Kroupi\u2019s impressive form, seeing the French forward as a potential addition to their attacking options this summer. According to sources, City would have to navigate Bournemouth\u2019s high valuation \u2014 widely reported around \u00a380 million \u2014 but have not ruled out pushing forward if they decide to strengthen their forward line.<\/p>\n
Despite this interest from the Etihad, Malouda, who enjoyed a trophy-laden career with CHELSEA<\/strong> including the 2012 UEFA Champions League triumph, believes the Blues should look to \u201csteal a march\u201d on their Premier League rivals by launching a bid for Kroupi before City or other suitors assert themselves. Speaking to media, the former France international praised the young striker\u2019s talent and potential, while also tempering expectations about his immediate readiness for life at a major club<\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s a very good talent,\u2019 Malouda told Snabbare. \u2018I played against his father, I remember, in France; he was an Ivory Coast international player.<\/p>\n \u2018He did very well last season, one of the top players in France, and I\u2019m very happy to see him doing well this season.<\/p>\n \u2018Again, I believe he needs to confirm it for one more season, at least in the Premier League, before going into one of the big clubs because I mentioned the competitive aspect,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re looking to get game time and the confidence that comes from that. He might not get it at a top club if he jumps too<\/p>\n \u2018So, I think he came to the Premier League to develop himself, to challenge himself, and he needs to keep doing that.<\/p>\n \u2018So, even if a club like CHELSEA<\/strong> were able to sign him, which would be a good thing, to send him on loan would be a better option than to keep him in the squad without game time.\u2019<\/p>\n Recent reports also suggest that Bournemouth remain keen to retain Kroupi for now, protecting their prized asset under contract until June 2030 and resisting early advances until the summer transfer window formally opens.<\/p>\n As the 2025-26 Premier League season winds down, all eyes will be on Kroupi\u2019s performances for Bournemouth and how closely his suitors \u2014 Chelsea included \u2014 are prepared to pursue what could be one of the summer\u2019s most compelling young attacking talent<\/p>\n MORE BIG CHELSEA NEWS AND GOSSIP<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Latest: Impressive boss sent message about joining Chelsea end of season!<\/strong><\/p>\n Top Read: Boss \u2018to create a team of warriors\u2019 Chelsea told as Board encouraged to wrap up signing of top target<\/strong><\/p>\n Most Read: Chelsea makes moves to sign 43-year old Premier League \u2013 summer move already confirmed<\/strong><\/p>\nLOVE CHELSEA? CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n
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