Barcelona remain focused on signing a new striker following Robert Lewandowski’s departure this summer.
The Catalan club have made Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez their top target as they look to strengthen Hansi Flick’s attack.
The Argentine remains Barcelona’s preferred option despite Atletico Madrid refusing to negotiate.
Barcelona have already submitted a €100 million opening offer, but the Madrid club continue to reject any approach for their striker.
Barcelona have also set a deadline to complete the deal. The club are prepared to wait until the end of July before deciding whether to continue pursuing Alvarez or move on to another target.
The search for a new number nine remains one of Barcelona’s biggest priorities this summer.
Flick wants a striker capable of providing greater mobility, pressing intensity and a reliable focal point in attack.
Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona have made contact over Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi as they prepare an alternative if their move for Julian Alvarez collapses.
The report states that Barcelona have already asked about the conditions of a possible deal for the 20-year-old.
Kroupi has now emerged as the club’s leading backup option should Atletico Madrid continue blocking Alvarez’s departure.
Barcelona have reportedly set aside a budget of around €100 million for a new striker. That figure will remain the club’s spending limit regardless of which player they eventually sign.
However, the report adds that there is not complete agreement inside the club over Kroupi.
Some officials believe the French forward is perfectly suited to Flick’s system, while others feel spending close to €100 million on a 20-year-old represents too much risk.
Bournemouth are also reluctant to sell their striker during the current transfer window. The Premier League side believe losing Kroupi now would disrupt their plans.
Despite identifying an alternative, Barcelona continue to prioritise Alvarez. However, the Catalan club do not intend to wait indefinitely.
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