The China Mail - Barcelona holding out hope for Alvarez as Atletico resist sale

Barca coach Hansi Flick acknowledged that the club could end the summer without signing a new striker if their pursuit of Alvarez ultimately fails.

The Catalan giants have made Alvarez their prime target, with Spanish media reporting Laporta's stance is effectively "Alvarez or nobody" as Barca seek to strengthen their attack following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Atletico, however, have repeatedly stated the 2022 World Cup winner is not for sale. Asked by AFP for comment, an Atletico source said the club had made their position clear already on multiple occasions.

Alvarez, 26, missed Atletico training on Wednesday due to illness, days after being jeered by some of his own supporters during Sunday's 2-2 La Liga draw against Villarreal.

Barcelona's interest in Alvarez has been public for months, and the player said during the World Cup that he would like to leave.

In July, Laporta revealed that Barca had submitted a bid for the striker and said the offer would remain on the table even after Atletico informed them the player was not available.

Speaking again on Wednesday, Laporta reiterated that Barcelona have not abandoned hope of reaching an agreement with Atletico.

"It seems that the player wants to come to Barca, and therefore we continue to hold on to our hope, our intention -- always with the utmost respect for Atletico Madrid -- of being able to sign the player," Laporta said in a video published by the club.

Laporta also said Barcelona had received "information" indicating Atletico had held discussions with other clubs about a possible sale, strengthening the club's belief that a transfer could still happen.

Arsenal have been linked with Alvarez in recent days, while Real Madrid made an approach earlier in the summer, although it was not considered a serious attempt to secure the striker's signature.

"We would like to reach an understanding with Atletico Madrid -- we maintain our proposal, our offer to Atletico Madrid," Laporta said.

"Hopefully there will be an understanding between the two clubs, between all of us, so that if they sell the player Barca will be the ones that can acquire the services of Julian Alvarez."

- 'Total confidence' in squad -

Flick avoided discussing the player directly when asked about Barcelona's interest but admitted the club's plans must balance short-term ambitions with long-term stability.

"I don't want to speak about Julian. I only want to (speak) about the situation of the club. We made some really good, good transfers now in this market," Flick told reporters ahead of Thursday's match against Athletic Bilbao.

"Our goal is clear, but in the end also the club has to think about the future. Not only the present now.

"Of course as a coach I will say 'OK, give me the best you can have, and more and more and more', maybe it works or maybe not. I have total confidence with the quality we have now."

The only recognised centre-forward in Barca's squad is Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who impressed in pre-season but has yet to make his official debut.

Barcelona began their La Liga campaign with winger Raphinha leading the line in a 5-0 victory over Elche, and Flick admitted alternative solutions may be needed if Alvarez does not arrive.

Midfielders Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo, as well as new arrivals Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi could be used in a false nine role.

"Of course we have to manage something, we have to maybe find solutions for some situations and some games, but the quality we have now is huge," said Flick.

"For me the club is doing a great job. Deco is doing a great job. We're looking at the future, not just for this moment but we're looking at the next three, four, five years.

"I think the club is stabilised and this is what we all want."

L.Johnson--ThChM