Barcelona consider 20-year-old Premier League forward not worth €100 million price tag | OneFootball

Even as FC Barcelona continue their pursuit of Julian Alvarez without a breakthrough, several other forwards have been linked with the club as potential long-term successors to Robert Lewandowski.

With the stalemate between the Catalans and Atletico Madrid over the Argentine showing no signs of changing, the former have begun exploring alternatives in the market.

One of the latest names to emerge as an option is Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.

The 20-year-old French forward is highly regarded within Barcelona, who have monitored his progress throughout the past season alongside several other leading young attackers across Europe.

However, despite recognising his quality, the club do not consider a move financially viable, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Bournemouth’s asking price seen as excessive

Barcelona like Eli Junior Kroupi. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Barcelona have no intention of meeting Bournemouth’s valuation of around €100 million for Kroupi, which the Premier League club is said to regard as the starting point for any negotiations.

That figure is the same amount Barça offered Atletico Madrid for Alvarez, including add-ons. Within the club, however, there is a clear distinction between the two players.

Kroupi impressed during the 2025-26 campaign after joining Bournemouth from Lorient. Playing under manager Andoni Iraola, the French striker scored 13 Premier League goals and established himself as one of the league’s emerging attacking talents.

Despite his impressive club form, he has yet to make his senior debut for the French national team.

Kroupi valued at €100 million. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

While Kroupi is viewed as a talented prospect, the Blaugrana do not believe he has yet reached Alvarez’s level or demonstrated the exceptional potential associated with players such as Ronaldo.

The club’s approach remains unchanged: if they are to spend €100 million on a striker, it will only be for a proven world-class player.

Barcelona’s position remains clear

Barcelona continue to assess attacking options as they search for Lewandowski’s long-term replacement, but Kroupi is not currently viewed as a realistic target.

While the club appreciate his talent and have followed his development closely, they believe Bournemouth’s valuation is far beyond what they are prepared to pay for a player who is still establishing himself at the highest level.