Fermin Lopez offers Barcelona attacking solution amid Julian Alvarez uncertainty

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez says he can operate as a striker as the club continues to search for a new forward, with a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez proving difficult to negotiate.

Barcelona are looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres during the remainder of the summer transfer window. Alvarez is regarded as sporting director Deco’s leading target, although Atletico Madrid’s refusal to enter negotiations has made an agreement increasingly complicated.

Lopez described Alvarez as a player who would suit Barcelona but declined to discuss the possibility of a transfer in detail because the Argentina international remains under contract at Atletico.

“I love him. He’s a great footballer, but in the end he’s an Atletico player. I can’t go any further than that,” Lopez told Spanish newspaper Sport.

The Barcelona midfielder suggested the club’s current style of play could help Alvarez settle quickly if he were to move to Spotify Camp Nou. However, Barcelona are preparing alternative options should there be no progress in the coming days.

Lopez also believes Barcelona already have several players capable of leading the attack. He said he could fill the position himself, alongside Dani Olmo and Raphinha, while also pointing to Anthony Gordon as another possible option.

“Who will play as the striker? I don’t know, but Gordon can also play as a striker, as can Dani Olmo, Raphinha and me. I can adapt,” he said.

Lopez explained that he had previously played as a false nine in Barcelona’s youth teams and felt the role was close to his preferred position as an attacking midfielder.

He praised Barcelona’s recent recruitment, particularly Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, saying the club had added players with qualities that were not sufficiently available in the squad last season. Lopez also welcomed the arrival of Rodri, describing him as a world-class player who would provide a significant boost to the team.

The 22-year-old discussed his decision to change his shirt number from 16 to seven. He said he had been sad to give up the number he wore during his early years at the club, but was confident it would remain in “safe hands”.

Lopez also expressed his disappointment at Ferran Torres leaving Barcelona, although he said the decision was personal and should be respected. He wished Torres well in the next stage of his career.

Interest from Chelsea last summer did not alter Lopez’s determination to stay at Barcelona. He said his desire had always been clear: to remain at the club he considers the club of his life.

The midfielder spoke positively about his relationship with manager Hansi Flick, saying the German had helped him develop both personally and technically over the past two years.

Lopez also recalled one of the most difficult periods of his career, when he spent time on loan at Linares. At that stage, he did not expect to return to Barcelona or reach the first team. His performances and goals then changed the direction of his career.

An injury that prevented him from representing Spain at the World Cup was another painful experience. Watching the tournament from home was difficult, Lopez said, but it taught him to value his health and everyday life more. He has now put that setback behind him and is focused on returning to the pitch and producing his best football for Barcelona.