Bournemouth are extremely reluctant to part ways with highly sought-after striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
According to the Times, the Cherries have slapped a whopping £100 million price tag on the highly sought-after striker in a desperate attempt to ward off interested clubs.
Manchester City and Arsenal are the latest clubs to enter the race to sign Kroupi. La Liga champions-elect Barcelona are also interested in signing him.
The Blaugranas view him as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, although they’ll struggle to pay the necessary fee to secure a deal.
The 19-year-old is Europe’s latest breakout star, having established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League.
None of the interested parties have made an official approach as they continue to monitor his progress.
Bournemouth are firmly in control of the situation and have made it clear that they have no intention of letting Kroupi leave.
Kroupi was on target in Bournemouth’s most recent outing, converting a penalty in a convincing 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
That victory moved the Cherries one step closer to qualifying for European football as they sit sixth in the Premier League table with three games remaining.
Kroupi’s 32nd-minute strike was his 12th Premier League goal of the season, making him the first teenager to hit double figures in their debut league campaign.
It also placed him alongside Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler in the record books for the most goals scored by a teenager in their debut Premier League campaign.
For a player still in the early stages of his career, it is a remarkable achievement that now has half the continent lining up to lure him away from Bournemouth.
Kroupi still has four years left on his contract with Bournemouth, who remain defiant in their quest to block a potential summer exit.
