Arsenal have the funds to bid for Rooney: Gazidis

When it was reported earlier this week that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was preparing the funds required to pull off a massive coup by signing Wayne Rooney from Manchester United, it was met with skepticism from cynics who dismissed the reports as highly implausible, citing the wage policy followed by the north London club.

But Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has insisted that his club has the financial backup required to sign someone of Rooney’s stature.

Arsenal’s efforts to uphold Arsene Wenger’s promise hints at their plans to re-organise their much-maligned wage structure in a bid to compete with their Premier League and European rivals.

When asked if Arsenal has the firepower to bid on Rooney if it involved a £25 million fee coupled with £200,000 weekly wages, he replied: “Of course we could do that, we could do more than that.”

“We have a certain amount which we’ve held in reserve. We also have new revenue streams coming on board and all of these things mean we can do things which would excite you.”

Gazidis also admitted that while it has been difficult to compete with clubs that are supported by owners with vast financial reserves, he is convinced that, with the right amount of funds and planning, they can put an end to their eight year drought and bag silverware.

“I think we deserve a little more credit than we’ve been given. Having said that, we’ve got more financial capability now and I’m sure that will help us to be able to secure the targets that Arsene wants.”