Arsenal could face a battle to land one of their striker transfer targets this summer, as Sport reports that Barcelona are also eyeing a possible deal.

The Gunners are in the market for a possible centre-forward addition, despite making the move to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP last year.

Over the course of last season, the Sweden international came up with some important goals as he bagged 21 goals across all competitions.

There was plenty left to be desired, however, and in the long-term, Arsenal may be considering their next move at centre-forward to add another clinical option.

One target is Eli Junior Kroupi, who the Gunners are now facing even more competition to sign.

Barcelona Want Kroupi Transfer

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bournemouth striker Kroupi, who impressed in his debut campaign in the Premier League last season.

The forward scored 13 goals in the Premier League, aged just 20, showing plenty of quality and some potential to grow even further in the future.

Bournemouth have set a transfer price tag worth over £100 million to secure a move for Kroupi, an expensive deal but one that may be worth it as the Gunners look to repeat their success in the Premier League.

That said, there is competition for his signature, as Sport now reports that Barcelona are monitoring a deal for the Frenchman as a potential option this summer.

Kroupi is viewed as a “Plan B” to Barca for Julian Alvarez, as a transfer saga surrounding the Atletico Madrid star continues to drag out in public.

The deal could put Arsenal on the back foot in any approach for the Bournemouth ace, as they are busy pursuing midfield options as it stands.

It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will make an offer, and whether it will be enough to tempt the Cherries into sanctioning an exit.

However, it could still work in Arsenal’s favour if a move does come about.

Julian Alvarez to Arsenal Impact

If Barcelona do end up moving for Kroupi, it may come as a blow for Arsenal, but it could also open up another deal for the side this summer.

Alvarez has been a target for the Gunners for some time now, but a move currently seems unlikely while the versatile striker pushes to join Barca.

If the Catalonian side push to land Kroupi instead, that is likely to close off the route to Alvarez, opening up a possible deal for Mikel Arteta’s team instead.

It remains to be seen just how possible that is, with Atletico Madrid seemingly holding firm on their stance that no sale will be happening this summer.

The 2026 World Cup group stages are coming to a close, and many countries have already bowed out of the 48-team competition.

The biggest international tournament in world football was expanded this year, meaning a record 32 teams make it through to the knockout rounds at the United States, Canada and Mexico-hosted event.

However, it means only 16 nations bow out in disappointment after the first stage. One of the more high-profile countries to fall short at this hurdle, alongside Scotland and Turkey, were Uruguay.

Players Punished For Shocking World Cup Display

Eloisa Sanchez via Reuters

The two-time champions were expected to progress through the group stage after being matched up against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. Especially with legendary manager Marcelo Bielsa at the helm.

However, it all unravelled very quickly for the South Americans. A disappointing draw against Saudi Arabia was followed by a hectic tie with Cape Verde. That left them needing maximum points against European champions Spain to ensure qualification for the next round.

To make matters worse, reports of unrest between the players and Bielsa surfaced in the days leading up to the final group match. In the end, a Fernando Muslera mistake sealed a 1-0 defeat, and Uruguay were out with not so much as a whimper.

Reports in Uruguay (via The Sun) have claimed the AUF have responded by punishing their players by cancelling their private flight home from Mexico. Each member of the staff and playing squad had to arrange their own way home as a result.

The exact reason for this decision hasn’t been officially confirmed, but it appears an easy link to make when they exited the competition in such a poor way.

Marcelo Bielsa to Leave Uruguay After Angry Outburst

Bielsa wasn’t in the mood for media duties after becoming the first South American nation to be eliminated from this year’s competition. He had an angry outburst in a post-match interview, making his frustrations clear.

It’s also been made clear that he will be leaving his role with the national side following their exit. An emotional Bielsa claimed he had left ‘nothing’ in his spell with the South Americans.

He said (per The Guardian): “I have not left anything to Uruguayan football. A coach who has been in a country for three years and not got results cannot say he has made a contribution. Fourth place in the qualifiers has no value and nor does third at the Copa América and there is no need to even define this performance [at the World Cup]. My time doesn’t say anything.”

He then explained his reasoning for bringing off Muslera and talisman Federico Valverde. Claiming his side could’ve earned seven points instead of just two, he fumed:

“I am responsible for what Uruguay did at this World Cup. [Your] questions do not seek answers but a chance to attack me. I am responsible for all the disappointment because of the job I did. But if I have to analyse what happened, I also have to include the errors. Muslera was the one who decided to depart and I took Valverde off because I wanted to strengthen the attack.”

England limped over the line in the 2026 World Cup group stages with a cagey 2-0 win against Panama. The result sees the Three Lions finish first in Group L, but one player’s performance hasn’t gone down well.

Thomas Tuchel’s men are supposed to be among the favourites to win the whole competition, but while they are progressing to the Round of 32, many fans have been left worried after this performance.

The German coach made five changes from the previous disappointing draw against Ghana. Jarrel Quansah, Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford all came into the starting XI. However, one of them has received strong criticism online.

England Fans Unimpressed With Morgan Rogers

Caean Couto (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Before the United States, Canada and Mexico-hosted tournament got underway earlier this month, there was a huge debate regarding who would start between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers.

Many felt the latter would get the nod as the most attack-minded midfielder after some issues between Tuchel and Bellingham. Rogers was brilliant for Aston Villa last season, and appeared in pole position to start in the opening game.

However, his Real Madrid compatriot started against Croatia and scored an important goal. Bellingham was then named Man of the Match against Ghana and scored the winner vs Panama.

Rogers started alongside him in this game, but failed to deliver. The 23-year-old was outclassed by his rival No.10 and it would be a surprise to see him start the first knockout match.

Fans were quick to criticise his display, particularly in the opening 45 minutes. “You could’ve told me Rogers wasn’t playing and I’d believe you. Completely useless against a low block,” one England supporter posted on X.

Another claimed: “Stocks falling on Rogers, been dreadful,” while the Aston Villa man was even labelled ‘non-existent’: “Rogers has been non-existent.”

Marcus Rashford got some stick alongside him as another X user said: “Not playing well at all. Rashford is no better than Gordon. Rogers waste of space.”

Some were critical of Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection. There were fans quick to point out that Cole Plamer could’ve thrived in such a game. One said: “England needed a Cole Palmer today, not Saka or Rogers,” while another added: “Feels like this performance is once again showing that this team needs a Palmer more than it does a Rogers.”

“I don’t care how good a season Rogers had, you can’t tell me Palmer wouldn’t be infinitely more effective in this team.”