Wayne Rooney to Arsenal?

Posted Wednesday, May 29, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

COMMENTARY | Wayne Rooney's name has been in the British papers for much of the past week or two. The England international forward reportedly put in a transfer request to Manchester United two weeks ago (which Rooney has since denied ever happening). Top teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all been allegedly interested in the 27 year old. Rooney's form has dipped a bit in recent months; having not scored in his team's final ten matches.
Nevertheless, his services would be in high demand if he truly wanted to leave Manchester.

This is not the first time that Rooney has been in the papers for a supposed transfer request. Back in 2010, Manchester United's then manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, told the media that the Manchester United star wanted to leave the club. However, Rooney decided to sign a new contract with the Red Devils soon after the coach's statement.

While Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea would appear to be able to handle Rooney's current estimated £200,000-a-week salary; Arsenal do not. The Gunners' current highest paid players, Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski, make around £100,000-a-week. Arsenal F.C. has had a strict wage scale, and a £200,000-a-week salary would demolish records at the north London club.

While I do believe Wayne Rooney would theoretically be a great addition to the Arsenal front line, I just cannot see how it would work. Reports have surfaced that Arsenal management has offered Rooney £200,000-a-week; however, I personally do not buy it. I cannot see Arsenal giving in on their firm wage scale, and all of sudden want to give Wayne Rooney double what their current highest paid player makes. In saying this, I actually do believe that the Gunners will increase some on their wage scale and transfer fees; however, I don't see them doubling them.

I conversely see the Gunners either buying Gonzalo Higuaín, Stevan Jovetić, or even Christian Benteke for less than half of the weekly salary as Rooney. This would give Arsenal more money to spend on other current needs. Arsenal's manager, Arsène Wenger, has always looked at value when considering player transfers. Spending £200,000-a-week, and around £25 million for the transfer fee for a 27 year old, does not seem like something Wenger would want to do.

Christopher Moore has been following Arsenal Football Club for over 10 years.