Barcelona are in need of a new striker after Robert Lewandowski left at the end of last season. The only striker on their books scored the winner in the World Cup final. Julián Alvarez wants to leave Atlético Madrid and is wanted by both Barcelona and Real Madrid, but a £129m bid from Madrid was rejected in June. With Atlético refusing to negotiate, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is looking elsewhere.
Barcelona turn to Bournemouth's Kroupi
Laporta has turned his attention to Bournemouth. Eli Junior Kroupi impressed in his first season in English football and is Barcelona's Plan B up front. Bournemouth insist the 20-year-old is not for sale and value him at £110m. Other clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested. Chelsea's João Pedro is an unrealistic Plan C, and Danny Welbeck might be Plan D.
Savinho, Grealish, and other moves
Tottenham's big spending has caught the eye of Manchester City's Savinho, who reportedly wants to leave for Spurs. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish has been left out of City's pre-season Asia tour, and manager Enzo Maresca said last week: 'At the moment, he is here.'
Crystal Palace are considering a bid for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangaré, but Brentford are in advanced talks for a £41m move for the 24-year-old Mali international. Palace have not spent any money this summer, with free agent Óscar Mingueza their only signing so far. Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is training with Conference League winners with a view to a free transfer.
Fulham are interested in Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García, but Álvaro Arbeloa's reunion hopes may be blocked by an asking price above £50m. Madrid's Franco Mastantuono is also on their shortlist.
Barcelona's next pre-season opponents, Birmingham, have signed Luis Vásquez. The Blues host Barça at St Andrew's on Friday.
