Arsenal chiefs are backing manager Arsene Wenger's pursuit of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

The Gunners board are aware of PSG's interest in Wenger and know supporting the manager in his bid for Rooney will go some way to convincing him to stay.

The Daily Star says the Emirates hierarchy feel they need to start joining the big boys when it comes to transfers, especially if they want to persuade Wenger to sign an extension, with his contract ending next summer and Paris St-Germain interested in his services.

It's understood Wenger and Arsenal would like to see a dream partnership of Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain as a central striker with Rooney playing behind him.