Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal can afford to match Wayne Rooney’s £250,000-a-week contract with Manchester United and also admitted that Cesc Fabregas is not likely to leave Barcelona this summer.
The Frenchman was speaking after the Gunners’ latest pre-season win over Vietnam XI in Hanoi and indicated that Arsenal were still in the running to sign Rooney from United.
Chelsea have already had a bid rejected and will return with an improved offer. Wenger says he would not be shocked if the England international leaves Old Trafford.
“It happened to us last year and it can happen to them,” he is quoted as saying in the English press.
“Rooney is under contract and has two years to go so it’s United who make the decision. But we would not have a problem with the wages of Rooney.”
United and Arsenal have been linked with Fabregas, but Wenger, who sold the player to Barcelona, says he will not be leaving Nou Camp this year.
“Fabregas has decided to stay one more year at Barcelona,” Wenger explained. “Unless he has changed his mind, I don’t know… but that’s what I’ve been told.
“We have the [first-option] clause in the contract so we would be on alert but at the moment that’s not something we’re after.”
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