According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, October 30, 2026, Barcelona are facing competition from Arsenal and Manchester United in their pursuit of Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi ahead of the January transfer window.

According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, both Premier League clubs have made enquiries about the 20-year-old Frenchman's fitness and contractual situation.

Kroupi has attracted interest from several European clubs following his impressive performances for Bournemouth. Barcelona, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping an eye on his situation.

Barcelona have been monitoring the young forward since last summer, when they considered several options to strengthen their centre-forward position.

Julian Alvarez was viewed as a major target, but Kroupi also impressed the Catalan club after an outstanding first full season in the Premier League.

The Frenchman scored 13 goals in 33 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign, establishing himself as one of Bournemouth's promising young attacking players.

However, his progress was disrupted by a fractured fifth metatarsal sustained during Bournemouth's pre-season training camp in Austria. He underwent surgery in July and spent several months recovering from the injury.

Kroupi eventually returned to action on October 25, coming off the bench during Bournemouth's 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. He also made a brief appearance against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.

His return has attracted renewed attention from interested clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United now assessing the possibility of signing him.

Despite the growing interest, Bournemouth are reportedly determined to keep the youngster until at least the end of the season and have no plans to negotiate his departure in January.

The club consider Kroupi an important part of their plans for the remainder of the campaign, meaning Barcelona and his other suitors could face difficulties securing his signature.

A potential move next summer could also prove challenging as competition for the French forward continues to grow.