Bayern turn to Bournemouth's Kroupi in striker hunt after missing Gordon

What happened

Bayern Munich have identified Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi as a target in their search for a new forward, according to kicker, having missed out on Anthony Gordon. The 19-year-old is admired in Munich, but no move is agreed and Bournemouth's reported valuation exceeds €100m, with several of Europe's biggest clubs also in the running.

Why it matters

The pursuit underlines the bind the German champions find themselves in up front. Bayern were beaten to Gordon by Barcelona — Newcastle accepted an offer worth around €70m plus €10m in add-ons, a fee Bayern were unwilling to match — and now face an even steeper price and a crowded field for Kroupi. According to reports, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring the player, who is said to favour a move to PSG.

Context

Kroupi broke through impressively in his first Premier League season, scoring 13 goals after a prolific Ligue 2 campaign with Lorient, where he netted 22. The France Under-21 international, contracted on the south coast, has emerged as one of the most sought-after young attackers in Europe, which is driving Bournemouth's high asking price.

What to watch next

The immediate question is whether Bayern lodge a concrete bid or pivot to alternatives, given a nine-figure valuation that sits uneasily with their stated spending limits. Kroupi's own preference and the intentions of rival suitors will shape the picture, with the German transfer window not opening until 1 July. Any of these claims remains unconfirmed by the clubs involved.