Barcelona activate operation to sign Premier League forward amid complications in Alvarez pursuit

Barcelona activate operation to sign Premier League forward amid complications in Alvarez pursuit

class="wp-block-paragraph">Barcelona’s search for a new number nine has hit obstacle after obstacle this summer, with top target Julian Alvarez proving increasingly difficult to prise away from Atletico Madrid.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">That frustration has forced Deco to explore alternatives, and one familiar name has now returned to the agenda.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Indeed, Barcelona have reactivated their interest in Eli Junior Kroupi as they look to solve their striker conundrum.

Barcelona revive Kroupi interestEli Junior Kroupi is a viable option at Barcelona. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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class="wp-block-paragraph">According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona have once again put Kroupi’s name on the table, despite Bournemouth having previously declared the young Frenchman non-transferable.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">With the Alvarez deal stalling due to Atletico’s refusal to negotiate, Deco has reopened the possibility of signing the France Under-21 international as one of the candidates to replace Robert Lewandowski.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The 20-year-old has enjoyed a superb debut campaign in the Premier League since joining from Lorient for €13 million, scoring 13 goals in 35 matches.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Those numbers have alerted a host of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Chelsea, PSG, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester City all credited with interest alongside Barcelona.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">French but with Portuguese roots, Kroupi fits precisely the kind of profile Deco favours, and the sporting director remains keen despite the difficulties involved.

A tough deal to pull offEli Junior Kroupi has been identifed as an alternative to Alvarez. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The problem, however, is Bournemouth’s firm resistance. Football operations chief Tiago Pinto views Kroupi as the cornerstone of the club’s project and has made clear he will not sell this summer, reportedly not even for €100 million.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The Cherries are enjoying an exciting period, preparing for their European debut after a sixth-placed finish under Andoni Iraola, and are in no rush to part with one of their brightest assets.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">To complicate matters further, agent Moussa Sissoko recently denied any negotiations with Barcelona.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Even so, Barcelona are keen to test whether that stance is truly final. With Alvarez looking a long shot and Flick eager for another striker, the club will continue to probe for openings, and Kroupi