West Ham United are reportedly keen on securing the services of 18-year-old French attacking sensation Eli Junior Kroupi.
As per a report by Football Insider, West Ham United’s move for 18-year-old French sensation Eli Junior Kroupi has collapsed. The player has been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham as well, and it will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for him before the window closes later tonight.
The 18-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for most clubs. The Frenchman has been in impressive form for Lorient in the second division of French football this season. The youngster has 11 goal contributions in all competitions, and he could have been a quality acquisition for West Ham.
The Hammers need more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and the 18-year-old would have added goals and creativity to the side. Eli Junior Kroupi is expected to develop into a top-class player with the right guidance, and regular football in England could accelerate his development. So, it is hardly surprising that West Ham wanted to sign him.
According to the report, the payment structure has led to a disagreement between the two clubs. Lorient are now expecting to keep the player beyond this window and they could demand a fee of around £50-60 million in the summer. The talented young attacker will hope to guide Lorient to promotion this season and his value is expected to skyrocket if that happens.
Chelsea and Spurs keen
Chelsea need more attacking depth as well, and the 18-year-old could be an understudy to Nicolas Jackson. The Frenchman will add goals and creativity to the side, and the Blues could nurture him into a future star. They are hoping to secure Champions League qualification for the next season, and signing quality players this month will certainly help them finish the season strongly.
As for Tottenham, they need more attacking depth as well. Dominic Solanke is sidelined with an injury, and the 18-year-old could share the goalscoring burden with him. It remains to be seen whether the two London clubs decide to test the resolve of the French outfit before the window closes. However, a move will likely see the light of day in the summer.