How can a neutral atom attract electrons when it's supposed to have zero charge? A neutral atom is an atom with an equal number of protons and electrons

We know the force of attraction between the proton and electron is equal
and assuming that:


one proton's positive charge attracts one electron.
The "neutral" in a neutral atom means electrically neutral. 


How can a neutral atom attract electrons when it's supposed to have zero charge ?
An atom is only neutral when viewed as a single object from large enough distance. But as an electron comes closer to the atom, it "notices" the electron cloud first. This cloud also "notices" the electron and deforms—the atom polarizes—so as to keep the atomic electrons farther on average from the extra electron, since like charges repel. But this deformation leads to less shielding of the nucleus than in isolated atom, so the extra electron begins to feel a non-negligible attracting electric field.