FC Barcelona has placed promising French striker Eli Junior Kroupi on their transfer wishlist, as negotiations to sign Atlético Madrid star Julián Álvarez grow increasingly complex during the current summer window.
According to Spanish reports, the Bournemouth attacker has caught the eye of Sporting Director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona considers the youngster a player capable of leading their attack for years to come should an agreement for Álvarez prove impossible.
Barcelona’s moves come as part of an ongoing search for a new striker to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski, who concluded his career with the club at the end of last season after scoring 119 goals in 191 appearances for Blaugrana.
Kroupi, who has Ivorian heritage, began his career at the youth academy of French side FC Lorient before making his senior debut at just 16 years and 11 months old, becoming the youngest player to ever represent the club in an official match.
The young striker enjoyed a breakout 2024–25 season, finishing as the top scorer in Ligue 2 with 22 goals to lead Lorient to the league title and promotion back to Ligue 1. His performances earned him a transfer to Bournemouth for around €13 million, remaining on loan in France through the end of that campaign.
Kroupi carried his fine form over to the Premier League, recording 13 goals in 33 appearances for Bournemouth during the 2025–26 season. His versatility was evident as he featured not only as a central striker, but also behind the main forward and on both flanks.
The 20-year-old’s stellar displays have attracted attention from top European clubs, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea all linked alongside Barcelona, signaling intense competition for his signature.
However, securing Kroupi will be no easy task for Barcelona. Bournemouth remains determined to retain the player, viewing him as a key pillar of their project. Reports suggest the English club is unwilling to entertain negotiations even for offers reaching €100 million, presenting Barcelona with another formidable hurdle in their pursuit of a top striker.
