It’s well known that FC Barcelona’s top target in the transfer market is Julián Álvarez, but Atlético de Madrid have shown no sides of budging over his move. At the moment, Los Colchoneros have said he is simply not for sale.
While the Catalans have not given up on the move, they are exploring alternative plans should the transfer fail to materialize. Now, a new report says Eli Junior Kroupi remains Barca’s “Plan B.”
Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also on alert for the 20-year-old
French forward. Despite not making it to the French national team for the ongoing FIFA World Cup, he is highly rated after a successful first season in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
France are absolutely stacked in attack with Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, and Marcus Thuram in the team. That has left Kroupi in the French U21 team, although he is still considered one of the most exciting forwards in his age bracket.
Barcelona have been tracking him for a while, even before he got to Bournemouth. He’s been praised for his shooting, technique, and passing. However, he is still a young talent and not on the level of Álvarez – at least not yet. There are other names on the table as far as an alternative, as well, with Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad gaining steam as a potential signing – although he has said this week he’s happy at Real Sociedad.
