Barcelona are facing growing competition in their attempt to sign Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, with Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly showing interest in the highly rated French youngster ahead of the January transfer window.

According to a report by Barca Universal on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the two Premier League giants have joined Tottenham Hotspur in monitoring the 20-year-old attacker, whose impressive performances have attracted attention from several major European clubs.

Reports indicate that Arsenal and Manchester United have made enquiries regarding Kroupi’s fitness and contractual situation. Barcelona, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping track of his development, while Tottenham continue to admire the player after showing interest in him last summer.

Despite the growing competition, Bournemouth are reportedly unwilling to allow the forward to leave during the January transfer window. The English club considers him an important part of their plans and wants to retain his services until the end of the season.

Barcelona have been monitoring Kroupi since his emergence in English football. The Spanish giants previously considered him as one of their options when searching for attacking reinforcements last summer. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez was also among the players considered by the Catalan club.

Kroupi's performances during the 2025-26 campaign have strengthened his reputation. The French forward scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, an impressive achievement for a player experiencing his first full season in the competition.

However, his progress suffered a setback after he fractured the fifth metatarsal in his foot during Bournemouth's pre-season training camp in Austria. The injury required surgery in July and kept him away from competitive action for several months.

He eventually returned on October 25, featuring as a substitute in Bournemouth's 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. He subsequently made another brief appearance against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.

Although Arsenal and Manchester United have made initial enquiries, neither club has reportedly submitted an official bid or opened formal negotiations.

Barcelona could therefore face a difficult battle to secure his signature, particularly if Bournemouth maintain their position and more clubs enter the race ahead of the summer 2027 transfer window.