Barcelona face PSG, Tottenham battle for Julian Alvarez alternative – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have entered a high-stakes transfer battle with PSG over Bournemouth’s breakout striker Eli Junior Kroupi.

Indeed, according to an exclusive report from Le10Sport (h/t AS), a sharp conflict of interest has erupted between the two European giants, with both clubs positioning themselves to secure the signature of the 20-year-old French prodigy.

Barcelona view Kroupi as Julian Alvarez alternative

From a Barcelona perspective, Kroupi has emerged as the definitive, high-ceiling alternative to Julian Alvarez.

While the Argentine striker remains the primary target for sporting director Deco, the immense financial complications of dealing with a hostile Atletico Madrid board have forced Barça to establish an elite backup plan.

Barcelona’s Plan B. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The Blaugrana sporting department is impressed with Kroupi after his breakthrough debut season in the Premier League with Bournemouth, during which he scored 13 goals from 33 appearances.

Standing at the dawn of a new era, the Catalan club views the young Frenchman not just as a squad rotation option, but as a legitimate long-term successor to the departed veteran Robert Lewandowski.

Competition for Kroupi’s signing

However, securing his signature will require navigating a fiercely contested market.

Having made a notable impact in his first season, Kroupi’s stellar performances have alerted English heavyweights including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.

In fact, reports suggest that Spurs, who have been spending freely this summer, are already preparing a massive offer for the French striker.

In demand. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

On top of that, the looming presence of PSG presents another significant hurdle for Barcelona. The reigning European champions are prepared to leverage their massive economic power to bring the French U21 international back to his home country.

Despite the heavy competition, Barcelona can rely on their newly-restored 1:1 La Liga financial status for the leverage needed to compete. Operating with full spending freedom, Barça can confidently match any realistic valuation set by Bournemouth.

Furthermore, the sporting prestige of wearing the Blaugrana shirt remains a massive drawing card for young talents.

For now, however, Kroupi remains only a Plan B, with all efforts being focused on a deal for Alvarez.