Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fuelled rumors of a possible audacious swoop for Wayne Rooney by refusing to answer any questions relating to his reported interest in the Manchester United forward.
Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed Rooney had expressed his desire to leave Manchester United in the summer, with the outgoing manager expressing the club's desire to keep hold if the England international.
Arsenal were among a few clubs that were linked with Rooney following the exit revelations, and Wenger, during the Wigan pregame press conference, refused to be drawn out on his interest in the striker.
"Look, I'm not in a position today to speak about any transfer targets," Wenger was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror when asked about his interest in Rooney.
"What I am focused on is the short term and after the Newcastle game I give you answer about these questions."
Pressed on the subject and asked if Wenger could ever imagine a big-time player leave Manchester United for Arsenal, in a reverse of the Robin Van Persie transfer move last summer, Wenger remained adamant on expressing his opinions. "I told you (I wouldn't answer any questions related to transfers)," was his response to the question.
Rooney was booed by a section of fans at Old Trafford as he came to pick up his English Premier League winners' medal Sunday, the last home game of Ferguson's before retirement.
The 27-year-old was heckled again by some fans during United's victory parade Monday, with Rooney's departure from United, the club he has been with for nine years, now looking increasingly likely.
Chelsea were heavily linked with the club, with Paris Saint Germain, Monaco and Bayern Munich also reportedly interested.
The feeling is Rooney probably already has a deal in place with a club, similar to the one he had with Manchester City when he publicly demanded a move away from Old Trafford in 2010.
Chelsea look like the most interested party, even though United will not want to sell one of their best players to a Premier League rival.
Arsenal are unlikely to be able to match Rooney's current wages at United, which is reportedly well over £200,000 a week ($306,000).
Wenger does have plenty of money to spend in the summer, and has earmarked Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic as his No. 1 target. Several reports have suggested a deal is already in place for the Montenegrin international, with the move dependant on Arsenal's qualification for the Champions League.
There were similar rumors regarding Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain as well, while Arsenal could yet make a move for Barcelona forward David Villa.
So, will it be Rooney, Jovetic, Villa or Higuain who makes a move to the Emirates in the summer transfer window?
