Arsenal 'discuss swoop for Manchester United's Wayne Rooney'

Arsenal officials have reportedly discussed a potential move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

The England international is believed to be ready to leave the Premier League champions following his second transfer request in three years.

While Chelsea have been linked with an approach for the 27-year-old, it is thought that Arsenal's backroom staff held a meeting in March to discuss launching a summer bid for the unsettled striker, according to the Daily Mail.

Reports have claimed that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will have £70m to spend on players if the club secure Champions League qualification, but are concerned that they may not be able to meet Rooney's wage demands.

Rumours over the forward's position at Old Trafford began to rumble when he was demoted to the bench for United's Champions League quarter-final second-leg defeat to Real Madrid.