Ousmane Dembele holds talks with Eli Junior Kroupi amid PSG transfer interest

Ousmane Dembélé reportedly took the opportunity to speak with Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi during Monday’s 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, as Paris Saint-Germain continue to monitor the young striker.

According to L’Équipe, Dembélé approached Kroupi to catch up during the event, where the PSG forward finished seventh in the Ballon d’Or rankings and collected the Club of the Year award on behalf of the European champions.

The interaction has attracted attention because Kroupi has been linked with a potential move to PSG, who reportedly expressed interest in signing the 20-year-old during the summer transfer window.

Kroupi, who previously played for Lorient, ultimately remained at Bournemouth despite interest from several leading European clubs.

PSG face competition for Kroupi

PSG manager Luis Enrique and the club’s recruitment team are understood to remain interested in the forward’s development. Kroupi is reportedly attracted to the prospect of joining the French champions, although a transfer would face significant financial and competitive obstacles.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Bournemouth attacker, with Tottenham reportedly considering a move during the January transfer window.

Dembélé and Kroupi share the same agent, Moussa Sissoko, potentially providing a connection between the two players. However, there is no confirmation that their conversation in London involved transfer negotiations or that Dembélé was actively attempting to persuade the youngster to join PSG.

Bournemouth demand substantial transfer fee

Bournemouth are in a strong negotiating position after Kroupi’s impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League. The French forward scored 13 league goals during his debut campaign, attracting interest from clubs seeking to strengthen their attacking options.

Reports have suggested that Bournemouth could demand around €100 million or more for his signature, with some estimates placing their valuation even higher. The club has shown little willingness to lose one of its most promising players cheaply.

Kroupi has also recently been working his way back from a foot injury, making his immediate playing situation another factor for interested clubs to consider.

For PSG, signing the young forward could represent a long-term investment in their attack. However, with competition increasing and Bournemouth demanding a substantial fee, any deal is likely to require considerable negotiation.

Dembélé’s conversation with Kroupi may have attracted attention, but whether it has any influence on the transfer saga remains to be seen.