Talking a good game? Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gets fans excited with talk of Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas

The Frenchman has always been an admirer of the unsettled Manchester United striker

Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsene Wenger has opened the door for Arsenal to make a shock swoop for unsettled duo Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, the French manager spoke of his admiration for both players and made clear he was monitoring the situations at both of the players' respective clubs.

Rooney, who scored for England against Brazil last night, asked for a transfer shortly before the conclusion of the domestic season. The departure of Sir Alex Ferguson has changed the landscape somewhat, although the 27-year-old's intentions remain unclear.

Wenger, who once claimed Rooney was the most talented English player he had seen, admitted he may not be able to resist a move for the former Everton player.

"Rooney could be an interesting player for everybody in the world, who would turn him down?

"David Moyes' first challenge is to go in to Manchester and bridge the gap between him and Rooney. If that is feasible or not depends on his personality and if Rooney bears a grudge or not, we will see.

"It will be interesting to see how that will be handled," added Wenger.

Arsenal fans would revel in such a move in light of United's capture of their best player, Robin van Persie, last summer.

There has also been talk of a return to the Emirates for Cesc Fabregas, a player Arsenal have first option on should Barcelona be willing to sell the midfielder.

Wenger revealed the former Gunners captain is unsettled at the Nou Camp before going on to praise the Spain international.

"I think at the moment he's lacking the confidence of being a regular player," said Wenger. "Recently he has not been that.

"Cesc is such a passionate player, a player of such quality, that it must hurt him not to play in every single game. That's what he misses. When you come in and out you never play with full confidence."

Arsenal are expected to be one of the biggest players in this summer's transfer window with a huge war chest understood to be at Wenger's disposal.