Arsenal fans woke up to some delighting, yet questionable news this morning. After hearing Arsene Wenger himself state his interest in potentially signing Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, it was reported that the English forward was seen arriving at the Emirates in a black Mercedes.
Hearing this speculation will have most Arsenal fans brushing it off, knowing the Gunner's past with players who could potentially join the club. But hearing Gazidis and Wenger speak about transfers in the last weeks, could the London side finally be ready to make that big signing, sending a message to the rest of the league?
Regardless of what Wenger, Gazidis or even silent Stan Kroenke say, given their past history in the summer transfer window, it is very hard to believe any possible big signing.
Yes they brought in Lukas Podolski last season, along with Olivier Giroud, but although they are good players, can we really put them in that world class bracket? I would say that Podolski is more of a top tier player because of his international and club experience, but Giroud still has a lot to prove if he wants to be mentioned alongside some of the best in his position.
"Rooney could be an interesting player for everybody in the world, who would turn him down," Wenger told Al Jazeera.
Apart from that interview, Wenger had also hinted to his interest in the United player on a French network as well. As if that was not enough to make some Arsenal fans believers, Ivan Gazidis also shared his thoughts on the Rooney soap opera and his high wage demands.
"We could do that, we could do more than that," said Gazidis when asked about Arsenal's willingness to change their salary restrictions. "We have a certain amount which we have held in reserve and we also have new revenue streams coming on board. All of these things mean we could do some things which would excite you. We can think about all kinds of things."
The key word in that statement is think. Thinking about something and acting on it is something totally different, but hearing Arsenal linked with so many players, combined with Wenger's silence is a reason for some Arsenal fans to be hopeful this summer.
Would Wayne Rooney sign for Arsenal if the Gunners were willing to meet his salary requirements? And is the England international the right player to take Arsenal to the next level?
