Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as favourites to sign Bournemouth sensation Junior Kroupi, with the highly-rated forward reportedly preferring a move to north London over Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The 20-year-old has become one of Spurs’ top attacking targets as head coach Roberto De Zerbi continues an ambitious rebuild, and there is growing optimism inside the club that a deal can now be completed.
Paris Saint-Germain had identified Kroupi as their preferred replacement for Gonçalo Ramos, who is expected to join AC Milan. However, the French champions have now accepted they are unlikely to persuade the Bournemouth star to move to the Parc des Princes. Instead, they have shifted their focus to Barcelona forward Ferran Torres after learning Kroupi is reluctant to join if it means playing a secondary role behind PSG’s established attacking stars.
Kroupi’s priority is understood to be regular first-team football, something Tottenham believe they can guarantee.
Sources indicate the France Under-21 international has been impressed by Spurs’ long-term project under De Zerbi and sees the club as the ideal place to continue his development. Tottenham also view Kroupi as a player capable of leading their attack for years to come, while his ability to play across the front line fits perfectly into the Italian coach’s tactical plans.
The north London club have already strengthened significantly this summer, bringing in players including Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, and Kroupi is regarded as another cornerstone of their rebuild.
Bournemouth, however, remain determined to keep hold of one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents.
The Cherries have repeatedly insisted Kroupi is not for sale and are under no financial pressure to cash in. Even so, Tottenham are expected to test Bournemouth’s resolve by submitting a formal offer in the coming weeks.
The proposed move could be worth around £85 million, a figure Tottenham believe could eventually persuade Bournemouth to negotiate if the player continues pushing for the transfer. Club officials are also encouraged by the belief that Kroupi and his representatives are open to making the switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Kroupi enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, scoring 13 Premier League goals for Bournemouth and earning widespread praise for his performances. His form attracted interest from several leading clubs across Europe, but Tottenham now appear to have moved into pole position.
While Bournemouth continue to publicly maintain that their prized forward is staying put, PSG’s withdrawal from the race has significantly strengthened Tottenham’s chances of landing one of Europe’s most sought-after young attackers before the transfer window closes.
