Kroupi has enjoyed a stunning breakout campaign on the south coast with Bournemouth this season, attracting the attention of top sides including Chelsea and Manchester City.
The 19-year-old has taken the Premier League by storm, bagging 11 goals in 29 appearances for the Cherries who are close to securing European football for next season.
Speaking to Snabbare, Malouda believes Chelsea should make a move for the teenager before potentially sending him out on loan.
“Eli Junior Kroupi to Chelsea?, he's a very good talent. I played against his father, I remember, in France, he was an Ivory Coast international player.
"He did very well last season, one of the top players in France, and I'm very happy to see him doing well this season as well.
"Again, I believe he needs to confirm it for one more season, at least in the Premier League, before going into one of the big clubs because I mentioned the competitive aspect. They're looking to get game time and the confidence that comes from that.
“He might not get it at a top club if he jumps too early. So, I think he came to the Premier League to develop himself, to challenge himself, and he needs to keep doing that. So, even if a club like Chelsea were able to sign him, which would be a good thing, to send him on loan would be a better option than to keep him in the squad without game time.”
Kroupi stated his desire to make the step to a bigger club back in March: “I had dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or, of playing for the biggest clubs in the world, but they aren’t really dreams anymore, rather objectives because I know that I can make them a reality. I’m now working to get to where I want to be.”
This season he became the first teenager to reach double figures in the competition since the 1999/2000 season and Chelsea will have their work cut out for them if they did make a move as interest grows.