Premier League youngster emerges as Barcelona’s main alternative to Alvarez; PSG, Liverpool also keen

Premier League youngster emerges as Barcelona’s main alternative to Alvarez; PSG, Liverpool also keen Barcelona continue to prioritize a move for Julian Alvarez this summer , but the club is already preparing contingency plans should negotiations with Atletico Madrid fail. Among the names under serious consideration, Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has emerged as one of the most highly rated alternatives, reports SPORT . The 20-year-old French striker has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Premier League, attracting interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs despite not being part of France’s World Cup squad. A rising star on Europe’s radar Kroupi has rapidly established himself as one of the continent’s brightest young forwards. PSG, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona have all monitored his development closely following an impressive first full season with Bournemouth. Didier Deschamps opted for more established attacking options such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Marcus Thuram for France’s World Cup squad. Barcelona’s Plan B. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) But Kroupi remains a regular at youth international level and is widely expected to earn a senior call-up in the near future. Barcelona’s contingency plan Barcelona remain fully focused on completing a deal for Alvarez, but the club’s sporting department has identified several backup options in case negotiations prove impossible. Among them, Kroupi is regarded as one of the most exciting long-term investments available. Standing at 1.79 metres, the right-footed striker came through Lorient’s academy before joining Bournemouth. After being loaned back to Lorient for a season, he established himself in the Premier League this year, scoring 13 league goals and becoming one of the division’s breakout performers. His market value has risen dramatically, climbing from around €15 million a year ago to approximately €70 million following his outstanding campaign. Complete forward profile Barcelona’s scouting department has followed Kroupi long before his Premier League breakthrough, compiling consistently positive reports on the forward. The 20-year-old striker combines technical quality with mobility, intelligent movement and strong finishing ability. The priority target. (Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images) While Barcelona’s priority remains securing Alvarez, Kroupi has firmly established himself among the club’s preferred alternatives. Whether he ultimately becomes Plan B or remains simply a closely monitored target will depend on how the Argentine transfer saga unfolds. What is clear is that Barcelona see the French striker as one of the most exciting young forwards available on the European market.