​Atletico give Alvarez Arsenal deadline as player misses 3rd training sessionAtletico are reportedly demanding an answer from the Argentina forward while preparing for the possibility of an Arsenal bid before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesJulian Alvarez has missed training with Atletico Madrid for a third successive day, with the Spanish club reportedly giving the striker until tomorrow to decide whether he wants to join Arsenal or remain in Madrid.The Daily Mail reports that Atletico are anticipating an Arsenal bid and have already started considering possible replacements, with Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee among their options.Zirkzee also has an offer from Fiorentina, while Juventus and Napoli are interested in him.The Daily Mirror reports that Alvarez again missed Atletico’s final training session before their La Liga fixture away to Sevilla and will not feature in the match.It describes the striker’s absence as a sign of a complete breakdown in his relationship with Atletico, while reporting that the Spanish club remain prepared to do business with Arsenal.Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty ImagesAlvarez, as we all know, wants to join Barcelona, but Atletico are still refusing to sell him to a La Liga rival.That leaves Arsenal with a potential opening before Tuesday’s deadline, although the Gunners would need to clear space in their squad with departures.Gabriel Martinelli is reported to be close to a £55 million move to Al Hilal, while Arsenal also want to move on Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira. They have also released Reiss Nelson on a free.The picture in Spain is more complicated.AS reports that Alvarez did return to Atletico’s Cerro del Espino training base on Friday afternoon after missing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning because of “indis­pos­i­tion”, but worked alone with a physical trainer rather than rejoining his team-mates.He will not travel to Sevilla, as Diego Simeone has already confirmed, while Atletico continue to press him for a decision as the September 1 deadline approaches.Miguel Angel Gil Marin, Atletico’s chief executive, said on Thursday: “It’s really bad. They have deceived and con­fused him.”Gil Marin also said: “My per­sonal dream is that he is still with us.”Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty ImagesSimeone, meanwhile, said: “From the moment (Julian) returns to train­ing I will do everything pos­sible to make him feel import­ant.”AS reports that Atletico have told Alvarez both privately and publicly that negotiations with Barcelona will not be opened. The striker, who is under contract until 2030, is now considering whether to remain at Atletico, pursue a move to Arsenal or seek another solution before the window closes.The report adds that a return to England does not particularly appeal to Alvarez, despite Arsenal waiting for him, while the player has held several meetings with his family and representative as he considers his options.Anoth