Just in: Barcelona rule out move for Premier League centre-forward – Romano

Just in: Barcelona rule out move for Premier League centre-forward – Romano FC Barcelona saw Robert Lewandowski leave at the end of last season after four successful seasons at the club. The Pole left a gaping hole behind him in the form of the number nine jersey, and Barça have been hunting throughout the summer to bring in the right replacement. The club’s priority and dream target continues to be Julian Alvarez, but with Atletico Madrid not opening their doors, the idea of a transfer this summer seems far-fetched. Thus, the Catalan club had to start looking at alternatives, and Deco identified Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi as a potential reinforcement. However, now, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano , Barcelona are not moving forward with a deal for Kroupi after the Cherries insisted that he is not for sale this summer. Barcelona step away from the operation Barcelona withdraw from the Kroupi transfer race. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) Romano’s update provides clarity after reports that Barça were also being rivalled by Manchester City and Arsenal for the Frenchman’s signature. There had also been suggestions that Bournemouth valued the attacker at around €130 million, although the Premier League club were later said not to have placed a formal price tag on him. The issue now seems to be availability rather than valuation. Kroupi is viewed as an important part of Bournemouth’s plans, which explains why the club have taken such a firm position. That stance gives Barcelona little reason to spend time on exploratory discussions, especially when the squad still have other priorities and financial decisions to manage before the window closes. From Barça’s perspective, stepping back is sensible. Admiring a young player is one thing, but entering a costly battle for someone whose club refuse to sell would be difficult to justify. Julian Alvarez continues to be the priority. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) A name to monitor, not chase Kroupi’s profile remains attractive because of his age, attacking versatility and long-term upside. Barcelona’s interest suggests he has been identified as a player capable of developing at the highest level. However, timing matters in recruitment. The right talent at the wrong moment can quickly become an unrealistic operation. If Barça sign another striker this summer, that might be the end of these links to Kroupi for the foreseeable future. However, if the club fail to land a No. 9, they can use the upcoming season to scout Kroupi further and make a concrete push in the next transfer window. For now, there is no active pursuit, but things could change between now and the end of the transfer window.