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Every Premier League giant wants Kroupi as Bayern join the race for Bournemouth teen

·By Junior Yekini
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Every Premier League giant wants Kroupi as Bayern join the race for Bournemouth teen

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have added Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi to their shortlist as an alternative to Anthony Gordon, with the 19-year-old now attracting interest from every major Premier League club as well as the German champions.

Münchner Merkur reported that Bayern Munich have identified Kroupi as a profile they like, particularly given his ability to operate across the front line, after failing to agree a deal for Anthony Gordon — who joined Barcelona from Newcastle United for £69.3 million.

Kroupi does not fit perfectly as a left-wing backup to Luis Díaz, but the club believes he has the versatility to adapt.

Kroupi signed for Bournemouth from Lorient last summer for approximately £10 million and broke the record for the most goals scored by a teenager in a Premier League debut season, netting 13 times in 33 appearances as Andoni Iraola's side finished sixth.

He contributed directly to several notable results, including a goal that helped Bournemouth draw with Manchester City in a fixture that had implications for Arsenal's title run-in.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been linked with a move. Bournemouth are seeking close to £100 million for the player, according to multiple reports.

Thierry Henry was among the first senior figures to publicly single Kroupi out, revealing he had wanted to call him into the France under-21 squad at the age of 16.

"When I see a player with that raw talent and that determination, I don't care about his age," Henry told Sky Sports.

Kroupi missed out on France's World Cup squad with Didier Deschamps declining to include him, though some observers expected a late surprise.

Iraola, expected to be confirmed as Liverpool's incoming manager, praised the teenager's development at Bournemouth throughout the season.

"He has become a better player and provides a workload that keeps the team balanced."

Kroupi's contract with Bournemouth runs until 2030.