Spanish media give Arsenal hope as they go in hard on Julian Alvarez – 'He's now a zombie'

Julian Alvarez is stuck between a rock and a hard place at Atletico Madrid but Arsenal's hopes of landing the striker have been boosted

Arsenal target Julian Alvarez has been described as a "zombie" by the Spanish media as he endeavours to leave Atletico Madrid. The Gunners will revel in learning that the 26-year-old's situation is becoming increasingly precarious.

Former Manchester City forward Alvarez has become embroiled in an ugly transfer saga this summer. The Argentine has been wanting to leave the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and join Barcelona - his reported dream transfer.

But Atletico simply will not let him jump ship to a bitter rival and are under no obligation to let him do so, as they continually reference his €500million (£425m) release clause. Real Madrid also saw a £130m bid for the striker rejected in June and Barcelona's Financial Fair Play restrictions prevent them from bidding too high.

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However, Alvarez's toys are well and truly out of the pram, which has attracted the Gunners. The player is reluctant to return to England due to reported family concerns and coupled with his wish to play for Barcelona, Arsenal have not made any headway on a potential deal. This is despite Atletico agreeing to negotiate with them and contact being made.

But during Atletico's 2-2 draw against Villarreal on Sunday, the severity of the club's Alvarez predicament was clear for all to see and the Spanish media's tone suggests either side may cave in soon.

Alvarez started on the bench against Villarreal and cut a miserable-looking figure. He was substituted on in the 67th minute but soon saw his team fall behind. A late goal from Giuliano Simeone rescued a point for the home side, who had been reduced to 10 men after Robin Le Normand was sent off.

But during and after the game, Alvarez was subjected to boos and banners that read "Julian fuera" (Julian out). His mannerisms as he trudged down the tunnel caught the attention of pundit Pablo Pinto, who said: "We saw a shadow of the real Julian, now a zombie.

"He was a player wandering aimlessly around the pitch. What happened at the end, far from fostering reconciliation or bridging the gap, has only hardened positions. No one wins in this situation, neither Atletico nor Julian. If this is to end in reconciliation, today that prospect has moved further away."

The potential lack of reconciliation hints that a transfer away is imminent, but Atletico will not let him join Barcelona. It could be then that the Emirates Stadium is Alvarez's only haven if he wants to play football without being jeered this season.

Commentator Miguel Martín Talavera echoed Pinto's sentiment. He said: "The situation isn't comfortable for anyone. The players know this affects them. He is a far cry from the professional he has been over the last two years.

"Either he sits down with the club to find a buyer that satisfies Atletico, or he honours his contract, his profession, and the club, which has treated him impeccably these past two years, and focus is on playing football."

Mundo Deportivo's Chema Fuente added: "In Julian's case, Atletico has already lost. Because if they keep the player and he just jogs around as he did against Villarreal, it would be like having a Porsche with flat tyres and the engine taken out. Useless."

ESPN reports that if Alvarez opens the door to Arsenal, the club will do all they can to secure his services, as he is currently their No. 1 attacking target. Mikel Arteta will be hoping this situation deteriorates so much that they get their wish.