Premier League club declare Barcelona’s Julian Alvarez alternative target ‘untouchable’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for a new striker has hit another obstacle, with Bournemouth making it clear they have no intention of selling Eli Junior Kroupi this summer.

The French forward has emerged as one of the players admired by Barcelona‘s sporting department as the club continues to prepare alternative plans in case a move for priority target Julian Alvarez proves impossible.

However, according to MARCA, Bournemouth have no interest in negotiating Kroupi’s departure. 

The decision is not driven by finances but by the club’s sporting project, with the 20-year-old considered a cornerstone of their future.

Barcelona admire Kroupi, but Bournemouth stand firm

Barcelona’s interest in Kroupi is largely termed as a contingency rather than a priority target.

Bournemouth will not sell Eli Junior Kroupi. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

The former Lorient striker is highly regarded by sporting director Deco, who views him as a profile that fits Barcelona’s recruitment strategy. 

His pace, movement and eye for goal have also attracted attention from several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

Despite that growing interest, Bournemouth’s position has remained unchanged.

Notably, the Premier League club has informed interested parties that Kroupi is not available for transfer, with no plans to reconsider that position before the end of the window.

Kroupi is central to Bournemouth’s plans

The club’s confidence in Kroupi is based on more than just potential.

The Premier League club is under no pressure regarding Eli Junior Kroupi. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

During his first Premier League season, the France Under-21 international scored 13 goals, finishing as the competition’s highest-scoring player under the age of 20. 

Those performances strengthened Bournemouth’s belief that he can become one of the leading forwards in English football.

The report adds that President of Football Operations Tiago Pinto considers Kroupi a key figure in the club’s long-term project, making his departure a non-negotiable issue regardless of the size of any offer.

Bournemouth are also under no financial pressure to cash in, as significant income from player sales over the past year has left the club in a comfortable position.

This has allowed them to reject approaches without considering the financial implications.