Latest developments
- Chelsea are chasing Lorient forward Eli Junior Kroupi.
- The Blues are set to go head-to-head with Tottenham for the youngster.
- The 18-year-old has nine goals in 18 appearances this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): An O'Rourke special
Chelsea are trying to win the race to sign Eli Junior Kroupi from Lorient, beating Tottenham Hotspur to the deal.
This all-London battle is being reported by Pete O'Rourke in footballinsider247.com. O'Rourke is no Fabrizio Romano, but his connections to top Premier League clubs are up there with the best.
Value (3/5): Lorient will want to cash in
Plying his trade in Ligue 2, Kroupi is averaging exactly a goal every other game in league and cup this season, which has seen the France under-19 international's market value rise to £8.4 million.
Lorient have him under contract for 18 more months, meaning now is the time for them to cash in. Hoping to play the London clubs off against each other, they could end up with a fee well above value.
Suitability (2/5): Potential is there
Making waves this season, Kroupi has gained experience at the highest level, scoring five times in 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season as Lorient were relegated.
The Premier League will be a huge step up, but clearly the kid has potential, as recognised by the Blues.
Upgrade? (2/5): One for the future
Unlikely to disrupt Nicolas Jackson's place in the starting XI, Kroupi is a target of Chelsea's new regime, which wants to prioritise youth.
In the hunt for a new first-team centre-forward, he will have to bide his time for an opportunity, and then might have to fend off fellow teenagers Marc Guiu and Deivid Washington.
Logic (3/5): Where is the path?
The chance to go to Stamford Bridge will be hard for Kroupi to reject, but given Chelsea's options up front, the path to first-team football looks a little unclear. The same could be said of a move to Tottenham though.
Other than sign him as an asset to loan out or sell on, why Chelsea would want him seems uncertain.
Whisper+ verdict: 13/25
Players ‘for the future' never score too highly on here, but even so, this signing looks illogical for the Blues.
