Arsenal have reportedly switched their attention to Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his forward line before the transfer window closes. The Gunners have had to consider other options after failing to land a number of marquee targets, including Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

Arsenal have enjoyed a productive summer in the market, with Bruno Guimaraes set to arrive alongside Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis at the Emirates. Even so, finding a top-class wide forward has proved much tougher for Arteta. The north London club recently watched Chelsea win the race for Morgan Rogers, while their attempt to sign Bradley Barcola has run into a significant obstacle, with the Paris Saint-Germain player reportedly deciding that he prefers a move to Anfield rather than the Emirates.

One of the biggest setbacks was the breakdown of their ambitious move for Vinicius Junior. Arsenal had been tracking the Brazil international's situation at Real Madrid closely, hoping to take advantage of his contract running down. But that possibility disappeared when the winger officially confirmed a huge new deal that will keep him at the Bernabeu until June 2032.

With their leading targets now out of reach, Arsenal are said to be "exploring" a move for Torres, according to CaughtOffside. The former Manchester City forward is well known to Arteta and brings the versatility Arsenal want in the final third. Although Torres has also been strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain, no agreement has been completed so far.

CaughtOffside journalist Mark Brus has offered an update on the club's internal thinking over the 26-year-old. Brus said: "Two separate sources told me that Arsenal have reached out to Torres’ representatives as well to ask to be kept informed on his movement this summer. Others, however, say it’s more the case that Arsenal have internally discussed the former Manchester City forward and are keeping an eye on his situation from afar."

Torres has himself intensified the speculation by urging Barcelona to show whether they truly want to keep him. During the club's pre-season tour of the United States, the forward made it plain that he expects the Catalan side to open talks if they value what he brings. Speaking to Sportico, Torres said: "Barca has to show they want me. They can come and negotiate, and in the end, everything will be discussed."

The Spain international also admitted that links with other major European clubs are flattering. Responding to the rumours over his future and the prospect of a switch to the Parc des Princes, the attacker said: "Each time that these teams want you, it is something good." However, Torres remains in a strong position because of the length of his current deal, adding: "I have a contract with Barca. It's true that in football you never know what might happen, but the good thing is that, since I have a contract, I can wait and decide for myself."

Arsenal are not the only Premier League club keeping tabs on developments at Spotify Camp Nou. North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with interest in Torres. Arsenal's hierarchy are likely to continue following the situation closely as they decide whether to turn that interest into a formal offer before the deadline.