Chelsea are ready to battle with Arsenal for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. The Independent says Chelsea would be prepared to take on any attempt by Arsenal to sign Rooney should Manchester United and their new manager David Moyes decide that the player can be sold this summer.

Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis confirmed this week they had the money to make the deal happen.

But the England international, who has two years left on his existing United deal, is also admired at Chelsea and they would not permit Arsenal to sign the player without putting to him an offer of their own. A new striker is one of the key positions, along with centre-back and defensive midfield, that the club hope to address this summer.