Report: Arsenal informed of Wayne Rooney availability

Arsenal have been informed that Wayne Rooney wants to leave Manchester United in January, according to a report.

Goal.com claims that the Gunners officials have been told "via informal conversation" that the England international striker is keen on departing Old Trafford during the winter transfer window.

It has been reported that the 27-year-old wants to join a Champions League club where he will be regarded as the first-choice centre-forward, a role that he finds hard to get at United where Robin van Persie is the principle striker.

Rooney's current contract with United runs until June 2015.