Exclusive: West Ham launch £30m bid with transfer push underway today.
West Ham submit £30m bid for Lorient starlet Eli Junior Kroupi, sources reveal.
Eighteen-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi has emerged as a top target for several elite European clubs following his standout performances for French second-tier side Lorient.
West Ham have made an official approach for the talented forward, who is also attracting interest from Tottenham and Chelsea.
Scouts from these clubs are expected to watch him in action when Lorient face Red Star in Saturday’s Ligue 2 fixture.
Regarded as one of France’s most promising young players, Kroupi broke into Lorient’s first team at just 16 while they were still in Ligue 1.
He has since become a crucial figure in their push for promotion, starting 11 of his 18 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals, and providing two assists in 989 minutes of play.
Football Insider reported on January 31 that West Ham are determined to sign a striker before the February 3 deadline and are pursuing multiple targets.
Their bid for Kroupi follows their failed attempt to sign PSV’s Ricardo Pepi, with the Dutch club unwilling to part with the player.
West Ham are currently short on attacking options, with Michail Antonio, Niklas Fullkrug, and Jarrod Bowen all sidelined due to long-term injuries.
Manager Graham Potter is looking to reinforce his squad as the club continues its resurgence under his leadership.
Since replacing Julen Lopetegui, Potter has overseen one win, one draw, and two losses in four games.
His next challenge is a return to former club Chelsea on Monday, February 3, where a victory could propel West Ham as high as 12th in the Premier League standings, marking a potential turning point after a difficult first half of the season.
