As reported earlier this week, FC Barcelona are keeping tabs on AFC Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi heading into the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana are in the market for a new centre-forward as Robert Lewandowski appears set to move on at the end of the season.
While Julian Alvarez is the priority target, his finances make the operation difficult, prompting Barça to keep an eye on alternatives, with Kroupi, 19, emerging as an option.
Eli Junior Kroupi not for sale
However, according to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, Bournemouth are not looking to sell Kroupi in the upcoming transfer window.
The teenage Frenchman joined the Cherries only last year, arriving from Lorient, and has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign – bagging 12 goals from 30 matches in the English top-flight.
His performances have alerted not only Barcelona, but also Manchester City and a number of other Premier League clubs.
Not for sale. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
As per the report, the Blaugrana have been tracking the France U21 international extensively this season and see him as a prospect for the long-term.
It must be remembered that the Catalans had already been monitoring Kroupi back in 2024 as well, before he had moved to Bournemouth.
Despite the interest that the young forward is attracting, Bournemouth are currently not looking to sell the player, who is tied down to a long-term contract until 2030.
So, unless the club come up with a significant offer, Barcelona’s chances of signing Kroupi in the upcoming transfer window appear to be very slim.
The teenager is not the only Premier League attacker that Deco & co. are tracking, with names like Joao Pedro of Chelsea and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon also on the club’s radars.
