Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov believes the club should make a move for Manchester United star Wayne Rooney this summer.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the England international, who, according to Sir Alex Ferguson, asked for a move away from the club.

Rooney has not come out and said publicly he wants a move, but the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and Chelsea have also been linked with the United striker.

Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid, with Arsene Wenger making the Argentine international his number one priority.

However, Usmanov, who owns nearly 30 percent of shares at Arsenal, but still remains frozen out of the board, believes Rooney is a perfect fit.

"(He is a) great player," Usmanov told CNBC. "If he comes it would be a big success for Arsenal and for Rooney also."

Manchester United have said Rooney is not for sale, but if they are force to offload the striker, then it is extremely unlikely that they will sell the player to a rival in the English Premier League.

Usmanov also went on to say he trusts Arsene Wenger's judgement and believes the manager will bring in the right players to the club.

"My point of view is that Arsene knows best," the 59-year-old added. "Of course, we as shareholders do point out some drawbacks in managing the club, in steering its way through.

"But I believe he is a great coach and he has already proven that last season."

Wenger, apart from being reportedly close to a move for Higuain, is also looking at Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini and is thought to have agreed a move for Julio Cesar, which is expected to be completed once the Brazil goalkeeper returns from the Confederations Cup.

Arsenal have also been heavily linked with a move for Swansea defender Ashley Williams, but have been out off by the Welsh club's demands.