Barcelona are searching for a new striker after Robert Lewandowski's departure, with 20-year-old Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi emerging as a "Plan B" option behind primary target Julián Alvarez. Alvarez, who wants to leave Atlético Madrid, is also coveted by Real Madrid, whose £129m bid was rejected in June, while Atlético have so far refused talks with Barça president Joan Laporta, prompting the club to explore alternatives. This matters because it highlights the scale of Barcelona's rebuilding project up front and the wider competition among Europe's biggest clubs for elite attacking talent this summer.

Bournemouth insist Kroupi is not for sale and reportedly value him at around £110m, with Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Tottenham also interested; Chelsea's João Pedro is seen as a less realistic option for Barça. Elsewhere, Tottenham's spending has caught Manchester City winger Savinho's eye, while Jack Grealish was left out of City's Asia tour amid uncertainty over his future. Crystal Palace are eyeing Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré, though Brentford are said to be closer to a £41m deal for him, and Fulham remain keen on Real Madrid's Gonzalo García despite an asking price above £50m.