News Focus
- FC Barcelona want to sign Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi
- Manchester City and other English clubs are also monitoring the teenager
- AFC Bournemouth hope to keep their star for their first European campaign
- The French youth international has equalled a 30-year Premier League record
Spanish giants FC Barcelona have identified AFC Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi as a summer transfer target. The 19-year-old French forward has impressed scouts at the Catalan club with his performances this term.
However, Barcelona face stiff competition from England. Manchester City are also keen on securing the teenager’s signature. Several other top-flight English clubs have asked about his availability.
Bournemouth are reluctant to sell their attacking star. The south coast club will make their European debut next season. They view Kroupi as vital for this historic European campaign.
The French Under-21 international has enjoyed a stunning first season at the Vitality Stadium. He recently found the net against Crystal Palace. This strike took his Premier League goal tally to 12 for the campaign.
This achievement places him among famous names in league history. He is now the joint-youngest teenager to reach 12 goals in a debut Premier League season. He shares this record with former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler and ex-Coventry City forward Robbie Keane.
Fowler set the record during the 1992/93 season. Keane matched the feat in 1999/00. Kroupi has now equalled these former stars at just 19 years of age.