Arsenal join Chelsea in Race for Wayne Rooney - Report

Arsenal are among the candidates along with Chelsea to sign disillusioned Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, according to Goal.com.

Rooney is understood to have informed United a fortnight ago of his intention to leave the club in the summer after falling behind Robin van Persie this season.

The 27 year old was left out of United's crucial Champions League last 16 second leg against Real Madrid sparking suggestions he was set to leave the club this summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson, whose retirement from management was announced on Wednesday, has maintained that Rooney's future remains at Old Trafford, while a United spokesman claimed the England international was not for sale upon recent reports of discontent.

The appointment of David Moyes could force Rooney into a U-turn regarding his career with the Scot having handed him his league debut in 2002, before reluctantly selling him two years later.

Moyes sued Rooney for libel in 2006 after the publication of exerts of his autobiography, with the pair settling out of court before sharing an apology.

The 50 year old's appointment could work to revive Rooney's career with the club he's scored 197 goals for in 400 matches, or be the catalyst for an sudden exit this summer.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have made Rooney his No.1 transfer target this summer, while Arsenal have joined the race as they look to bolster an attack which currently boasts Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski.

Rooney scored his first professional goal against Arsenal, and possesses a formidable record when faced with the men from north London.

After losing Van Persie to United last summer, it would be ironic justice should Arsenal snap up a player who until just 12 months ago, was the heartbeat of Ferguson's side.

However, his peripheral role in attack, with Van Persie and Danny Welbeck often preferred ahead of him, could lead to him seeking a new challenge, while Paris Saint Germain have been mentioned as a possible destination as the French champions elect sought out a marque signing for the summer.