Bournemouth are racing against the clock this summer to hold onto their rising stars, as Premier League giants circle with tempting offers. The Cherries have stormed to sixth in the table, powered by a fearless young squad that’s gone 16 league games without defeat—a run that’s turning heads across Europe.

That scintillating form has brought scouts flocking to the Vitality Stadium, with big-money moves looming for key players. Last summer alone, Bournemouth waved goodbye to Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, and Milos Kerkez, all bound for Champions League clubs, while Antoine Semenyo joined Manchester City in January. Now, the focus shifts to keeping their next generation of talent.

At the top of the wanted list is 19-year-old sensation Eli Kroupi Junior, who’s already bagged 12 league goals this season. The teenager is the second-highest scoring youngster across Europe’s top five leagues—trailing only Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal—and has admirers at Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United. Crucially, Kroupi Junior’s contract lacks a release clause, giving Bournemouth a firm grip in negotiations. While a summer exit isn’t off the table, the club is determined to drive a hard bargain.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are more optimistic about retaining midfield duo Rayan and Alex Scott. According to the BBC, the Cherries are preparing a new contract for Scott, the 22-year-old who earned his first England call-up earlier this season, to fend off interest from Chelsea. Rayan, the Brazilian winger who joined from Vasco de Gama in January, has been electric—scoring in each of his last three appearances—and is in no rush to leave. He’s ready to commit to at least another season of growth at Bournemouth, though his contract includes a hefty €100m (£86.4m) release clause.

For a club that’s become a launchpad for top-tier talent, keeping this core together could define their next chapter. Stay tuned as the summer transfer window heats up.