Barcelona view Eli Junior Kroupi as the most viable alternative to Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

Barcelona are closely monitoring Eli Junior Kroupi, considering whether to sign the Bournemouth striker.

According to Sport, Barcelona are aware that they could miss out on Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and could turn to the young French prodigy.

Kroupi caught the eye last season after bagging 13 Premier League goals to help Bournemouth qualify for the Europa League for the first time.

His ball-striking, movement and technical quality are immense for a 19-year-old and several clubs are taking notice.

Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move for Kroupi following his outstanding campaign.

However, it won’t be easy for any suitor as Bournemouth do not want to lose the young gem and have slapped an £80 million price tag on him.

Barcelona have him high on their shortlist, but are aware that the operation is risky and likely prefer to wait a year before signing him.

Kroupi must resist the temptation to leave Bournemouth

Kroupi would undoubtedly score goals in Hansi Flick’s ultra-aggressive Barcelona side. 

The German has built his team around relentless attacking football, and a striker blessed with Kroupi’s instinct in the box would inevitably sparkle in his system.

However, the former Lorient star would be wise to reject any blockbuster move this summer. Regular football should remain the priority.

Bournemouth can offer him what these big clubs cannot guarantee – a central role in the starting XI and an environment focused entirely on his development.

Another season or two on the south coast would allow him to refine his game without the immense pressure that comes with leading the line for a European giant.

New Bournemouth manager Marco Rose has a proven track record of nurturing young attacking talent and helping promising forwards reach an elite level. 

Bournemouth will hope he can perform a similar role with Kroupi, guiding him from an exciting Ligue 1 graduate into one of Europe’s most complete attackers. 

The goals, headlines and mega-money transfers will still be there. For now, patience is the smartest move. 

Staying at Bournemouth could ultimately be the quickest route to becoming the world-class striker everyone believes he can be.