Flick says Barca may go without striker as Atletico resist Alvarez sale

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick indicated Wednesday the club may end the summer transfer window without signing a new striker if they fail in their bid to lure Argentinian star Julian Alvarez from rivals Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish champions are still pursuing 2022 World Cup winner Alvarez but Atletico have thus far refused to sell the 26-year-old forward, who missed training on Wednesday due to illness.

Spanish media reported Barca president Joan Laporta wants "Alvarez or nobody" and Flick said the club also had to think about the future and he is happy with his squad.

"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," the German coach told reporters.

"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."

In July Laporta said Barcelona had made a bid for the Atletico forward and the club were leaving it on the table even after Atletico told them Alvarez was not for sale.

Laporta reiterated later Wednesday that Barcelona are still hoping Atletico decide to sell them Alvarez, who was jeered by the Rojiblancos' own fans during their 2-2 La Liga draw against Villarreal on Sunday.

"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," said Laporta in a video published by the club.

Laporta said Barca had received "information" that Atletico had been in talks with other clubs about the possibility of selling Alvarez, with the president keen for the striker's destination to be Camp Nou if he does leave the Spanish capital.

Arsenal have been linked to Alvarez in recent days, while Real Madrid made a bid for the striker at the start of the summer, although it was not seen as a serious attempt to sign him.

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

"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."

Strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left Camp Nou in the summer, while Barca signed wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

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

Barca started the first game of the season with winger Raphinha playing up front and beat Elche 5-0 on Sunday.

Flick admitted the club may have to try different solutions in that position, with Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gordon and Adeyemi all capable of playing through the middle.

"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," added Flick.

"For me the club is doing a great job. (Sporting director) 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."

Barcelona host Athletic Bilbao on Thursday which should see new midfield arrival Rodri get his first minutes for the club.

Flick confirmed the former Manchester City man would be part of the squad and is likely to appear as a substitute.

The 61-year-old coach said he is excited to watch Spanish World Cup winners Rodri and Pedri combine in midfield for Barca.

"Rodri has more experience, he's totally a leader. With Pedri (they can) control the ball, control the game, control the opponent," said Flick.

"Everyone knows Rodri is one of the best and together with Pedri... it will be top level for me."