Barcelona are facing increased competition in their pursuit of Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, with Arsenal and Manchester United joining Tottenham Hotspur in tracking the young French attacker ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report by Barca Universal on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The 20-year-old has attracted interest from several leading European clubs following his return from a foot injury. However, Bournemouth are reportedly determined to keep him for the remainder of the season and are not prepared to consider offers during the winter transfer period.

Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal and Manchester United have made enquiries about Kroupi’s fitness and contractual circumstances as they assess whether a future move could be possible. Barcelona, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring his development, while Tottenham remain interested after attempting to pursue the forward during the previous summer window.

Despite the growing attention, Bournemouth’s position is understood to remain firm. The club reportedly regard Kroupi as an important member of their squad and have no plans to negotiate his departure in January. Consequently, interested teams may have to wait until the end of the campaign before exploring a potential transfer.

Barcelona’s interest dates back to last summer, when the Catalan side were examining candidates capable of strengthening their centre-forward options. Kroupi emerged as one of the players considered by the club’s sporting department, alongside more established targets such as Julian Alvarez.

The Frenchman’s performances in England helped strengthen his reputation. During the 2025-26 Premier League season, he scored 13 goals in 33 appearances, producing an impressive return that attracted attention beyond Bournemouth. His age, development and ability to contribute regularly in the final third have made him an appealing prospect for clubs seeking attacking reinforcements.

His progress was temporarily interrupted during Bournemouth’s pre-season preparations in Austria. Kroupi suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his foot and required surgery in July. The injury forced him to spend several months away from competitive action while completing his recovery.

He eventually returned on October 25, featuring as a substitute in Bournemouth’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. He subsequently received another brief opportunity during the club’s Carabao Cup meeting with Aston Villa, marking another step towards regaining match fitness.

Arsenal and Manchester United are now assessing his physical condition and contractual situation, although neither club is reported to have made a formal offer. With Bournemouth unwilling to sell midway through the season, Barcelona and the other interested teams face uncertainty over when they could realistically pursue an agreement.