West Ham United ‘plan B emerges’ in last-gasp transfer for striker
West Ham United are interested in Lorient striker Eli Junior Kroupi in the winter transfer window, according to ExWHUEmployee.
The Hammers’ insider has revealed that the East London club could pursue the 19-year-old if a move for Evan Ferguson fails before 3 February.
While the Irons are pushing for the Brighton striker, they could consider the France Under-19 international as a backup option.
ExWHUEmployee stated on The West Ham Way Patreon (31 January): “The other young forward being tracked, but someone who is more established is Kroupi of Lorient.
“The 18-year-old has scored eight goals in 16 games in the French second division. He is a highly-rated French Under-19 international. Bournemouth are said to have held advanced talks with the player, and he has been monitored by Chelsea and Spurs.
“The club are still pushing to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton but could turn to Kroupi if this move does not happen.”
Who is West Ham United transfer target Eli Junior Kroupi?
Kroupi has made his way through the youth ranks at Lorient and has now established himself as a regular first-team player.
The 19-year-old has posted impressive numbers in Ligue 2 this season, so it’s no surprise that several top teams are interested in him.
While the French youngster primarily plays as a centre-forward, he’s also capable of being deployed on the left-hand side of the attack.
West Ham are evidently in desperate need of a new number nine after the injuries to Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio.
While Kroupi seems like a decent option to bolster the Hammers’ ranks, a move to the Premier League at this stage of his career feels a bit too big.
There’s no doubt that the 19-year-old possesses immense talent, but the Irons should pursue someone more established in the English top flight.
Ferguson seems like the perfect option for the East London club, and if a move for him fails, then it would evidently be sensible to look at other options before signing the Frenchman.
A move for Kroupi can wait until the summer.
In other West Ham news, Brighton could sanction a move for Ferguson after their next match.
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