Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal would be able to keep up with the likes of Chelsea in the transfer window after confirming he would be willing to pay Wayne Rooney’s hefty pay role.
Chelsea recently had a £20million straight cash bid for Rooney turned down by United, contrary to popular belief that either David Luiz or Juan Mata were offered in exchange – a rumour that Joe Mourinho quashed himself.
Big Spender
Over the years, Wenger’s frugality has cost him names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Yaya Toure and Xabi Alonso. But this year the flag of intent has been firmly stuck into the grass at the Emirates, with Arsenal being linked to a number of big name stars.
Rooney is the next name on that list, and Wenger insisted while talking to Guardian journalists that Rooney’s astronomical pay packet would be no problem:
"We have not the problem of the wages of Wayne Rooney but it's very difficult for us to talk about any specific case. We work well but we are not close to sign anybody. The competition in Europe is very hard at the moment. There's a lot of money and not many players."
Mourinho confirmed that Rooney was Chelsea’s only remaining target after completing the signings of Andrea Schurrle and Marko van Ginkel, but Wenger will look to add to the signing of Yaya Sanogo by bringing in one of either Rooney, Higuain or Suarez.
United boss David Moyes has insisted that Rooney is not for sale, but big money deals for the wantaway striker could test the new boss’ resolve.
The Higuain move which looked a certainty is now stalling, with Wenger waiting to see whether a fresh £35million bid for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez would gain the Uruguayan’s services. With £40-£50million looking more likely, the Arsenal boss will more than likely have to choose between the two rather than split the funds.
Suitors
As we explained yesterday, Rooney would be most suited in the Arsenal side rather than having to battle for a squad place at Stamford Bridge.
If Rooney wants to sit on the bench, he might as well stay at United behind Robin van Persie. However if Rooney wants to be the main man in front of goal, Arsenal should be his preferred destination.
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