Chelsea are plotting a last-minute move to sign 18-year-old Lorient forward Eli Junior Kroupi before the January transfer window closes. The French youngster has impressed this season, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in Ligue 2, making him a sought-after prospect. However, Chelsea face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, with both clubs ready to battle for his signature. Lorient have set a £30m asking price to ward off interest. Kroupi’s dribbling ability and attacking threat have drawn comparisons to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard, who also arrived from French football as a relatively unknown talent before becoming one of the Premier League’s best-ever wingers. While the £30m price tag is a gamble for an 18-year-old, Kroupi’s statistics suggest he has the potential to thrive at a higher level, with an impressive 71% dribble success rate and strong attacking output.