Pep Guardiola eyes €80m Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi

Manchester City are stepping up their interest in Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, with Pep Guardiola personally impressed by the youngster’s talent and potential.

Sky Sport report that Guardiola views the 19-year-old as a serious option for the future, adding him to City’s shortlist as they plan ahead for possible changes in attack.

Inside the club, several key figures are said to back Kroupi’s profile, seeing him as a technically gifted forward who could grow into a long-term asset at the Etihad. His camp has already been active, with the player’s agent recently meeting sporting director Hugo Viana, who is described as an admirer of the Bournemouth star.

Bournemouth, however, have little intention of letting Kroupi go easily. The Premier League side value him at a minimum of €80 million and remain determined to keep hold of one of their most exciting players. Kroupi has justified that stance with a strong season so far, scoring 11 goals in 31 appearances since joining last summer. City could move in the summer if departures in their forward line open up space in Guardiola’s squad, potentially turning this early interest into a major transfer story.