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Julian Alvarez is becoming increasingly open to joining Arsenal this summer after discussions with Mikel Arteta, according to reports in Spain.

This prolonged transfer saga has been one of the major stories of the window, with Arsenal understood to be eager to sign the forward as they continue trying to strengthen their attack after being unable to persuade Vinicius Junior to make the switch to north London.

The relationship between Alvarez and Atletico Madrid is reportedly turning increasingly sour as the player continues to push for a move away from Madrid, with the striker said to be desperate to leave the Metropolitano.

Speaking on Saturday, head coach Diego Simeone maintained that Alvarez will not leave the club this summer, reinforcing earlier remarks from Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who has said the striker has received poor advice during the summer.

Simeone added that he expects Alvarez to be involved in Sunday’s clash with Villarreal, although fresh reports indicate that may now be unlikely.

Julian Alvarez is said to be desperate to leave Atletico this summer.

Diario AS reports that the drawn-out transfer situation has left Alvarez increasingly unsettled, and that he remains determined to depart before the transfer deadline.

Arsenal now appear to be the most realistic destination for him. Alvarez is understood to like the prospect of joining Barcelona, and the Blaugrana are still interested, but Atletico do not want to sell to a direct domestic rival.

As a result, Alvarez is reportedly easing his position on a return to England, with “the door left ajar” for Arsenal.

Diario also says that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta have stayed in regular contact with Alvarez throughout the summer as they try to convince him to make the move.

However, he is still believed to have reservations about returning to England because he would prefer to remain closer to his family.