Kroupi has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, one short of the record set by Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler for goals in a teenager's debut top-flight campaign.
He scored the penalty in Bournemouth's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday that extended their unbeaten run to 15 league games and strengthened their European qualification push. Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United are among the clubs to have scouted him extensively this season, with Bournemouth setting a valuation of £80 million and opening contract talks designed to double his wages and extend his deal beyond its current 2030 expiry.
Iraola, who The Athletic confirmed will leave the club when his own contract expires this summer despite Bournemouth's efforts to keep him, spoke with genuine warmth and urgency when asked about Kroupi's future.
"I hope he isn't sold, definitely. Even if I'm not going to be here, I think it's good for him, it's good for the club. I think it has been his first season at this level, even if he has done incredibly well and he is improving a lot during the season. I think he has a lot more to give to the club, to Bournemouth, and I hope he does because he's a lovely player also."
He reflected on the work done to make Kroupi a more complete footballer, not just a finisher.
"He has stepped up bigly. When we received the player, after pre-season, you could see his qualities, his finishing ability, his instincts. He enjoys playing a lot, but there is a lot of other things that he's learning now to make him a better player, a more complete player.
"And I think he has understood this. It's not just about: you are very good, you are going to score your goals, and you are going to enjoy it — but you have to give back to the team more things, because otherwise it's going to be more difficult for you to get the minutes. And I think this interchange, he has understood it very well."
On the specific quality that sets Kroupi apart from comparable young forwards, Iraola was unambiguous.
"His finishing ability is elite. If you want someone to have a chance against the keeper from the edge, I would choose Junior Kroupi every time. There are other areas where he needs to improve, and he is improving. And this is what will make him even a better football player."
When asked if Kroupi reminded him of any established striker, Iraola reached for a name from a different era.
"Inside the group, a lot of people say Jermain Defoe — a kind of second striker, always scoring goals. But it's difficult to find another player. I think he's very, very unique. He's a special player."
Bournemouth are determined not to repeat the experience of losing Antoine Semenyo last summer. Whether an £80 million valuation and improved contract terms are enough to withstand what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive pursuits of the window remains to be seen.