Just in: Barcelona explore move for Premier League striker; Man City also keen – Romano

Just in: Barcelona explore move for Premier League striker; Man City also keen – Romano According to Fabrizio Romano , FC Barcelona have actively explored a move for AFC Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi over recent weeks as an alternative attacking option. The Catalans’ pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez becoming increasingly difficult. The club’s sporting department has acknowledged the immense complications surrounding the Argentine forward, forcing them to look elsewhere to reinforce Hansi Flick’s frontline. The Alvarez standoff Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez has hit a definitive roadblock. Despite intense administrative effort and internal backing from club president Joan Laporta, Atletico Madrid are firmly refusing to open the exit doors for their star striker. The Rojiblancos have maintained an unyielding stance, rejecting the opening offer and insisting the player remains an indispensable part of their long-term sporting project. Barcelona’s primary target. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Realising that a breakthrough is highly unlikely before the close of the summer transfer window, Barcelona sporting director Deco has initiated contingency protocols. Exploring the Kroupi option Faced with the prospect of missing out on their primary target, Barcelona have held preliminary discussions with intermediaries close to Kroupi to understand the economic parameters of a potential deal. The Blaugrana officials have also contacted Premier League side Bournemouth to formally gauge the player’s market availability. The 20-year-old French attacker is highly appreciated by Barcelona’s technical staff due to his immense versatility, explosive pace, and sharp technical instincts, making him an incredibly attractive profile for Flick’s high-pressing system. A complicated operation However, Barcelona’s exploratory calls have revealed that securing Kroupi will be far from straightforward. Bournemouth do not wish to sell Kroupi. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Bournemouth have firmly resisted the initial approach, insisting that they have no intention of selling the young forward this summer. In case the Cherries do open the doors for a transfer, adding further complication to the race, Manchester City have also formally requested information on Kroupi this month. The English heavyweights are actively monitoring the forward’s situation as a potential long-term investment, threatening to spark a high-stakes transfer battle that could price Barcelona out of the market given their ongoing financial constraints. Any deal for the young forward, if Bournemouth do consider such a possibility, could cost around €100 million , making a transfer extremely difficult.