Eli Junior Kroupi: Tottenham’s plan for Man United target explained | OneFootball

Manchester United risk missing out on another target to Tottenham Hotspur as the North London club prepares a big-money bid for Eli Junior Kroupi, according to the latest report.

Spurs going all-out

Having come perilously close to relegation last season, only securing survival on the final day with a 1-0 win over Everton, Tottenham are intent on transforming Roberto De Zerbi’s squad this summer.

The Italian manager wants to rebuild the spine of his side, believing the team’s frailties originate in the middle of the pitch. A £52 million deal for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke has been struck, as have free transfers for Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.

This was followed up by two record-breaking offers for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, with Spurs hijacking Manchester United’s move for the latter.

The West Ham midfielder, who attributes his namesake, Bruno Fernandes, as an idol, was believed to be leaning towards Old Trafford, only for the Lilywhites to storm into the race with an £85 million bid and a much better wage packet than the one being offered in M16.

United were unwilling to match these proposals, with a suspicion Spurs would simply raise their offer were they to do so anyways. This led the Red Devils to pivot towards Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, reaching a £50 million agreement for the 22-year-old Brazilian this week.

Tottenham are also looking to reinforce De Zerbi’s forward line, setting up a potential tussle with United over a different West Ham star, Crysencio Summerville. The Dutchman is understood to be INEOS’ “No.1 target” on the left wing, with exploratory talks already underway with Hammers.

However, Tottenham are now threatening to sign another target on United’s radar in Kroupi, Bournemouth’s breakout star who made history as the best scoring teenager in Premier League history last season.

United risk missing out

Despite only turning 20 last month, Kroupi has already established himself as one of the most exciting talents in Europe after a superb maiden campaign for the Cherries. He was signed from Ligue 1 side Lorient last year for £10 million, a deal which has proven a masterstroke after 13 goals in the Premier League last season.

The France under-21 international’s reputation, and value, have exploded in this time, with virtually every top club in England, including Manchester United, and on the continent expressing interest in a summer swoop.

Despite a midfield rebuild being the priority, United are understood to be looking to sign a winger and a more reliable striker than Joshua Zirkzee. Kroupi, capable of playing right across the frontline, would be an option in both positions.

Scouts have been in regular attendance at the Vitality Stadium in recent months, at the request of sporting director Jason Wilcox. A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed INEOS want a “young icon” to lead their project at Old Trafford, with belief Kroupi fits the bill perfectly.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are similarly smitten, however, while Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish heavyweights, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, are also in the race. But it is Tottenham who are ready to strike first, demonstrating a level of aggression in the market which has taken their rivals by surprise.

TEAMtalk reveals Spurs are “preparing to submit” a £75 million for Kroupi, who they believe is keen to play under De Zerbi, despite not being able to offer European football. Bournemouth are said to value their French jewel closer to £100m, though there is confidence in North London that £75m will “seriously test the Cherries’ resolve.”

There has been suggestions Kroupi had agreed personal terms with either Spurs or Barcelona, but his agent, Moussa Sissoko, moved quickly to dispel these rumours. “We are still discussing his future. We’ll see what happens in the coming days; at the moment there is no final decision,” the agent said.

Final Thoughts

If a £75 million offer is sufficient to at least Bournemouth to the negotiating table, Manchester United should submit one tomorrow. Their prime target on the wing, Summerville, is valued at £50m by West Ham, while an upgrade on Zirkzee will likely require a reasonable fee as well.

Kroupi is capable of thriving in either role, with the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards. While it is a significant outlay for such a young player, the Lorient native is the type of talent worth ripping up plans for, particularly if it stops one of your major rivals grabbing him first.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social