Barcelona have turned their attention to Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi as their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez becomes increasingly difficult, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish club are finding Atletico unwilling to negotiate, having already rejected bids up to €100 million for the Argentina international.
Alvarez himself has expressed a desire to leave Atletico, stating last month that a transfer would be “the best thing for everyone” and that he wants to fulfil his dream. However, Atletico’s chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, has publicly stated the club has no intention of selling the player, even rebuffing offers reaching €150-200 million.
Barcelona are seeking a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who departed earlier in the summer, and initially considered Chelsea’s Joao Pedro as a potential option. Romano reports, however, that a move for Pedro is now deemed “impossible”, with the player remaining a crucial part of Chelsea’s plans.
As a result, Barcelona have opened talks with representatives of Junior Kroupi, who has impressed in the Premier League since joining Bournemouth from Lorient in early 2025. The 20-year-old has scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, attracting interest from several top clubs, including Manchester City. While Barcelona have made initial inquiries, Bournemouth are determined to retain their key asset, with Kroupi’s contract running until 2030. Romano notes that securing Kroupi will be a “very complicated” deal due to Bournemouth’s firm stance.
Barcelona’s search for a forward continues, and the club may explore further alternative options if a deal for Kroupi proves unattainable. The situation highlights the challenges facing the club in the current transfer window as they attempt to bolster their attacking options.
