Barcelona are facing increased competition in their pursuit of Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, with Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly joining the list of clubs monitoring the young French attacker ahead of the January transfer window.

According to Barca Universal on Friday, October 30, 2026, Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk reported that both Premier League sides have made preliminary enquiries concerning the 20-year-old’s fitness and contractual circumstances. Their interest adds to growing attention from several European clubs following Kroupi’s impressive performances since arriving at Bournemouth.

Barcelona, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur are also understood to be keeping track of his development. The Spanish giants have followed the forward since the previous summer transfer window as they considered different possibilities for strengthening their centre-forward position.

Julian Alvarez was among the players Barcelona identified as a significant target during their search. However, Kroupi also emerged as an attractive option after producing an encouraging first full season in English football. His performances demonstrated his attacking potential and helped establish him as one of Bournemouth’s promising young players.

During the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the Frenchman registered 13 goals in 33 appearances, attracting attention from clubs looking to invest in emerging attacking talent. His progress was subsequently disrupted by a fractured fifth metatarsal sustained during Bournemouth’s pre-season preparations in Austria.

The injury required surgery in July and kept him out of action for several months. Kroupi eventually returned on October 25, when he appeared as a substitute in Bournemouth’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. He also received another brief opportunity during the Carabao Cup encounter against Aston Villa.

His return to competitive football has renewed interest in his availability, with Arsenal and United now reportedly gathering information about a possible move. Nevertheless, Bournemouth are believed to have no intention of allowing the youngster to leave during the January window.

The club reportedly regard Kroupi as an important member of their plans for the remainder of the season and would prefer to retain his services until at least the campaign concludes. That position could complicate attempts by Barcelona and other interested teams to negotiate an agreement.

Although a summer transfer may offer a more realistic opportunity, the growing number of interested clubs could make competition for his signature increasingly difficult. Barcelona will therefore need to monitor developments carefully if they intend to maintain their pursuit of the French forward.