United now eyeing ambitious move to sign £80m PL striker tipped to be the next Mbappe – report

Manchester United made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth during the January transfer window.  The prolific Ghana international emerged as a lucrative long-term target, owing to his reasonable £65 million release clause. However, Semenyo turned down United as his preference was to play under Pep Guardiola. Interestingly, Semenyo’s departure has had little impact at Bournemouth, who continue to punch above their weight because of their exceptional scouting. Eli Junior Kroupi has been likened to Kylian Mbappe Eli Junior Kroupi has put his name on the radars of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, with his promising performances under Andoni Iraola. Kroupi has swiftly found his feet in the Premier League, having only moved to Bournemouth from Lorient last year. Eli Junior Kroupi Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionGamesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed Cards Premier League218-3- EFL Cup1—- FA Cup1—- Total238-3- The lightning-fast forward, who is deceptively strong and decisive in front of the net, has drawn comparisons to Kylian Mbappe. The 19-year-old is just two league goals away from hitting double figures, a feat achieved by only ten teenagers in Premier League history. Manchester United keen on Kroupi According to Fichajes, United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all “monitoring every move” of Kroupi. To fend off his suitors, Bournemouth have set the Frenchman’s release clause at £80 million. The Red Devils spent a similar amount to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer. The highly rated Sesko, who helped United pick up a point at West Ham with an outrageous finish, is yet to cement his place in the starting line-up. The club’s hierarchy should certainly consider bringing in another number nine if they intend to compete on all fronts next season. In that regard, Kroupi could prove to be a tempting option.  However, Bournemouth are determined to keep hold of their latest attacking sensation. The Spanish outlet claims the Cherries are already working on convincing the youngster to sign a new contract with improved wages.  Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!