Another day and still no progress in Arsenal's hunt for a new centre forward as Mikel Arteta continues his search for the missing piece in his title challenging puzzle.

While talk of an approach for Manchester City's Julian Alvarez remains, Newcastle's reluctance to do business over Alexander Isak may force a rethink that could see the Spaniard target a wide forward instead.

Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah's expected departure has taken a fresh twist with Marseille now considering alternative options after their latest bid for the Hale End graduate was rejected out of hand by the Gunners.

Here are all the main transfer stories worth keeping tabs on from north London over the past 24 hours...

Eddie Nketiah's proposed move to Marseille has taken a twist after the French giants reportedly opened talks with Borussia Dortmund over a loan-to-buy deal for Youssoufa Moukoko.

Arsenal are understood to have rejected three bids from Marseille for the 25-year-old England international as their £30million valuation is yet to have been met.

The Gunners remain prepared to do business but Marseille's latest bid worth a reported £23m did not satisfy their demands and was consequently rebuffed.

But it appears Marseille are now looking at alternative targets with highly-rated 19-year-old Frenchman Moukoko said to be top of their agenda.

Arsenal have shifted their attention to signing a wide forward due to Newcastle's reluctance to sell Alexander Isak.

Mikel Arteta has been on the hunt for a reliable goalscorer this summer with the hope of gaining the edge over Manchester City in the Premier League title race. But the Arsenal manager has faced major setbacks in acquiring either of his two preferred No. 9 choices: RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle's Isak.

Newcastle have since made it clear that Isak - who scored 21 league goals last season - is not for sale. And the Toon are reluctant to let him join Arsenal specifically amid the latter's attitude towards state-owned clubs at boardroom level.

Arsenal icon Ray Parlour believes his former club's move for Spanish star Mikel Merino will delight Declan Rice.

Euro 2024 star Merino is touted to become the Gunners' third summer arrival. They have already secured the permanent signings of goalkeeper David Raya and £42million defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Mikel Arteta is said to be keen on bringing the 28-year-old midfielder to the Emirates for a relatively cheap £25m. And reports suggest Merino has already agreed personal terms with the north London club.