WHATSNOW

Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out a sensational move for Wayne Rooney.

Arsenal boss Wenger was linked with the unsettled Manchester United star over the weekend, and is usually quick to deny interest in supposed transfer targets.

But, when quizzed by the Mirror, the Frenchman said he did not want to discuss the possibility until the end of the season.

However, Wenger evading the question may tantalise the Gunners' fans, who are craving a big signing this summer.

When asked about wantaway striker Rooney, Wenger said: "Look, I'm not in a position today to speak about any transfer targets. What I am focused on is the short term and after the Newcastle game I give you answer about these questions."

And when pressed as to whether he could ever see such a major player leaved Old Trafford for Arsenal, Wenger added: "I just told you!"

Wenger has made Fiorentina's Montenegro forward Stevan Jovetic his No1 target, but back-to-back Italian champions Juventus are also interested in him, so Arsenal cannot afford to focus on just one option.

Arsenal have also been linked with Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain - and Mirror Sport can reveal that Wenger tried to sign the Argentinian striker before he went to Real in 2007.

The Spanish giants were willing to sell Higuain last summer but Manchester City could not get a deal done, which does not bode well for Arsenal.

Real are believed to want upwards of £18m for the 25-year-old.

Wenger has also scouted Sporting Lisbon and Portugal keeper Rui Patricio as he continues to look for a new No1, although Hamburg's Rene Adler currently tops his list of targets at that position.

* ARSENAL are set to get a seven-figure cash windfall thanks to trophy bonuses - even though they have not won any silverware themselves, writes John Cross.

Former Gunners midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song both had add-ons in their deals when they were sold to Barcelona, who have clinched the Spanish title.

Fabregas is believed to have earned Arsenal around £2m.

Hull's former Gunners striker Jay Simpson had a £500,000 promotion add-on clause, and has helped Tigers reach the Premier League - SOURCE: MIRRORFOOTBALL