Wenger warned over Rooney move

Arsene Wenger has been warned against making a move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson suggested that the French boss would struggle to keep the 27-year-old under control.

The Premier League club have been linked with a move for the striker, who has 83 England caps to his name, as they seek to boost their attacking options following another trophyless campaign.

But Robson urged Wenger to turn his attentions away from Rooney and look elsewhere.

“Everybody says that the problem he (Rooney) had with Sir Alex Ferguson was with his fitness levels and how he was looking after himself,” Robson told talkSPORT. “I’m not sure Arsene Wenger is the sort of confrontational manager who is going to pull (him) to one side and say, ‘I’m not happy with this’.

“I think it might be a problem. Would he be a good player for Arsenal? Would he take them to the next level? I think he would improve them, I’m just not sure he’s the player Arsenal need to go on to become champions of Europe or champions of the Premier League.”

Robson’s advice for the manager who has won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups did not end there.

“Arsenal need a real strong backbone in that midfield. I would get (Marouane) Fellaini if he’s available,” he continued.

“I’ve seen him play many different roles for Everton. He does things on the ball. He’s not going to be an expansive passer but Arsenal have got those expansive players, they need to now get a balance between the creative side and the more destructive side, you can’t have one without the other.”