Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign AFC Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi this summer.
According to TEAMtalk, the Blues have already made ‘firm approaches’ as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season.
The west London club are not alone in their pursuit, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich all credited with interest in the young forward.
Despite that considerable competition, Chelsea appear to have taken the initiative by making concrete moves to secure Kroupi’s signature before their rivals can act.
Bournemouth have shown no willingness to sell the forward, however, and have placed a price tag of more than £100m on the player to deter interested clubs.
Kroupi’s current contract at Vitality Stadium runs until 2030, giving the Cherries significant leverage in any potential negotiations this summer.
The situation at Bournemouth has shifted following the departure of Andoni Iraola, with Marco Rose appointed as the new manager ahead of next season.
The club reportedly wants to hand Rose the strongest possible squad to work with, making it even less likely they will sanction a departure for one of their prized assets.
Chelsea’s interest in a new forward comes amid uncertainty surrounding Liam Delap, who struggled for form last season after joining from Ipswich Town the previous summer.
Reports suggest the Blues could be open to allowing Delap to leave this summer, making the pursuit of Kroupi all the more urgent for the club.
Arsenal’s interest is understood to be linked to speculation surrounding Gabriel Jesus, with the club exploring potential replacements should the Brazilian depart.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are navigating their own striker concerns after Alexander Isak suffered fitness problems last season and Hugo Ekitike sustained a serious injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Kroupi proved his worth in the Premier League last season and at his age would represent a major signing for whichever club manages to prize him away from Bournemouth this window.