Arsenal launched late Wayne Rooney bid?

Arsenal reportedly tried to prise striker Wayne Rooney away from Manchester United with a late bid on transfer deadline day.

The Gunners had been linked with the England international during the summer, but interest from the North London outfit and rivals Chelsea cooled when it appeared that the 27-year-old was content to stay at Old Trafford.

Arsenal were rebuffed in their attempts to sign Rooney last night, while they were also unsuccessful in a late approach for Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke, according to the Daily Star.

Despite losing out on those targets, Arsenal managed to sign Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid for a club-record £42.5m fee.