I want a Forward Role NOT Midfield- Wayne Rooney to Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has been given a fresh boost in his bid to sign unsettled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, after he spoke of his desire to play as a centre-forward. The Gunners manager is on the lookout for a new attacking spearhead this summer, with Gonzalo Higuain, Steven Jovetic and Michu all on the shopping list. But it is the 27-year-old Rooney's admission that he is after a lone striker's role that could shoot him to the top of Wenger's targets. The striking berth at Manchester United has been filled by ex-Arsenal star and Premier League top scorer Robin van Persie this season, with Rooney lending support from a deeper position. While the England forward - who scored a brilliant solo effort in the 2-2 draw against Brazil on Sunday night - would be happy to fill that position in the future, he is keen to have more chances to play up front beforehand. 'In the years to come, that might be somewhere I could play, but, right now, I'm definitely a centre-forward. I'm after more goals.' Rooney told FourFourTwo magazine. 'I've played up front on my own a few times for Manchester United and it's a role I'm very comfortable with and have no problems playing. 'When you play as a target man, you have to stay up front and help the team out by holding the ball up and waiting for support. That all comes with experience. 'It's a good role for me to play, and hopefully I can continue doing well there.' Wenger had previously given a clear indication that Arsenal will be part of the race to land Rooney, should he leave Manchester United this summer. Sportsmail exclusively revealed last month how the Gunners were prepared to offer Rooney a package of around £170,000-per-week and a multi-million pound signing on fee - plus the security of a five-year contract - in an attempt to persuade him to take a pay cut from his current £250,000-per-week deal at Old Trafford, which has two years left to run. And speaking to Al Jazeera this week, Wenger said: ‘Rooney could be an interesting player for everybody in the world, who would turn him down? Swansea's Michu is another shock name on Wenger's shopping list, with Sportsmail revealing that a move for the striker has been discussed by the Arsenal boss and his scouting team. The prolific Spaniard enjoyed a fine first season in England following his £2 million move from Rayo Vallecano, scoring 22 goals. And Arsenal, who have followed the 27-year-old since his impressive displays at the start of the season, have a concrete interest in the striker. Source: Sport mail