Exclusive: Eli Junior Kroupi hijack revealed after £30m West Ham bid
West Ham forward target Eli Junior Kroupi is being lined up by Brazilian giants Botafogo, sources have told Football Insider.
The Copa Libertadores champions are working on a deal and want to sign the 18-year-old before sending him on loan to sister club Lyon next summer.
However, Lorient star Kroupi would prefer a move to West Ham and the Irons remain in talks to sign the France Under-19 international.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (1 February) that the Premier League side have made an offer worth up to £30million for the highly-rated striker sensation.
The teenager is also attracting interest from Tottenham and Chelsea after his performances in the France’s second division.
West Ham, Chelsea and Tottenham sent scouts to watch Kroupi in action on Saturday as he scored in the 2-1 Ligue 2 win over Red Star.
The wonderkid is considered one of the best young talents in France after breaking into the Lorient side in Ligue 1 at just 16.
Botafogo fight West Ham for Kroupi as player’s stance revealed
He has hit 10 goals and notched two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.
It has been widely reported that West Ham are set to rectify their striker injury woes with a loan move for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
Michail Antonio, Niklas Fullkrug, and Jarrod Bowen are all currently on the treatment table at the London Stadium.
Graham Potter’s side sit 15th in the Premier League ahead of Monday’s (3 February) clash with Chelsea.
In other news, Bowen shares new injury update.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.