Usmanov Encourages Rooney To Join Arsenal

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has urged Wayne Rooney to swap Manchester United for north London this summer.

The United forward could be on the brink of an Old Trafford exit after handing in his second transfer request in just three years towards the end of last season, with Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea immediately linked with a move.

Arsenal however have emerged as a possible destination and the club's second biggest shareholder in Uzbeki billionaire Usmanov have given the move for the England international his personal seal of approval.

"He is a great player, there would be great success for Rooney (if he joined Arsenal) and for Arsenal too," Usmanov told CNBC.

Rooney's future at United has fell under scrutiny during the latter stages of the Premier League-winning campaign, as Robin van Persie became the focal point of the club's attack at the expense of the 27-year-old.

With David Moyes having taken the reins of the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, it has been suggested the Rooney will sit down with his former Everton manager to resolve the impasse.

But having been given the green light to relax their wage structure, Arsenal could be seen as a viable option should Rooney wish the cut ties with United after nine years.

The Gunners would certainly appear to be in the market for a world class forward as the continue to chase Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain, but a move for the United man could be seen as preferred option.

The potential arrival of Rooney would immeasurably strengthen Arsenal's front line and by the same token weaken a potential challenger, just as United did to them last summer when they purchased Van Persie.

Such a move would surely appease Usmanov. The Russian billionaire has previously criticised the Arsenal board for a perceived lack of ambition while cubs around them have invested heavily in their squads.

The club's biggest shareholder Stan Kroenke has been on the receiving end of particularly scathing comments, with 59-year-old Usmanov suggesting the American showed a lack of desire to "create a winning team" at the Emirates and would be satisfied with another fourth place finish next season.