Argentine media blast Arsenal target Julian Alvarez after what he did vs Egypt
Argentine media have criticised Julian Alvarez for his performance against Egypt as he is linked with a move to Arsenal.
Alvarez has drawn suitors from across Europe for his standout Atletico Madrid showings last season.
The 26-year-old registered 20 goals and 10 assists in 52 club games throughout 2025-26, but has struggled to transfer his form to the international stage.
He is yet to score in the World Cup despite Argentina making it to the quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland this weekend.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Alvarez this summer, but may well be dissuaded from making an approach considering his struggles.
His latest performance against Egypt left a lot to be desired, even though Argentina staged a comeback for the ages from 2-0 down.
Argentine media left unconvinced by Julian Alvarez vs Egypt
Alvarez has been the subject of a transfer tug-of-war in Spain, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both looking to snap him up from their rivals.
Atletico have made it clear that they will not sell him to a La Liga team, potentially leaving the Gunners with a great chance of agreeing a move soon.
Even though he has scored regularly for every club he has played for, Alvarez's talents have not yet shone internationally, with 14 goals in 56 appearances for Argentina.
He had one shot on target and failed to create a chance in their 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, while also missing a big chance and winning just three of nine attempted ground duels.
After the game, Argentine outlet La Pagina Millionaria wrote: "Too inconsistent for what is required of him. A few runs off the ball and movements dropping back to link up with Messi, and that was it. The Egyptian goalkeeper denied him a certain goal.
"He needed to be more daring in shooting at goal when he found himself facing the goal from the edge of the box. He came into his own more in the second half, particularly in those final minutes when Argentina found that inner fire."
Then El Destape said: "‘La Arana’ barely touched the ball in the first half, but he never stopped looking for it and trying to create danger."
While Bolavip wrote: "First-half: an interesting start, applying good pressure. He had plenty of touches outside the box. He almost scored the opener following a great run by Tagliafico, but lost the one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
"Second-half: He didn’t pose a threat and had few touches. A great defensive recovery in the build-up to the third goal."
What has Alvarez said about leaving Atletico?
Football Insider's sources have claimed that Arsenal could accelerate a move for Alvarez due to concerns over Viktor Gyokeres.
He will seemingly not be allowed to leave Atletico for either Real Madrid or Barcelona, but has made it clear that he wants a transfer this summer.
Speaking to reporters after Argentina's Group J win over Austria, he said: "I spoke with people at the club (Atletico), with those I had to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream. It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide it. I try to be an honest person."
Real have seen a £130million bid for his services rejected by their rivals, who continue to cite his release clause of £430m as the figure they will sell for.