Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov makes clear Arsenal are ready to make move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney

The England striker is unsettled at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney, Alisher Usmanov and Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal have dropped the biggest hint yet that they are ready to make a move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov says the striker would be a "great success" at the Emirates.

The future of Rooney is among the biggest talking points of the summer following his request in the latter stages of last season to leave Manchester United. That request came under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson, and there is uncertainty whether the appointment of David Moyes at Old Trafford has changed Rooney's feelings. With just two-years remaining on his contract, United may feel forced to sell if he won't agree to a new deal.

Arsene Wenger has a healthy transfer budget at his disposal and said recently that any club would find it impossible to turn down the chance of signing Rooney should it become a possibility.

Usmanov, who holds a 29.9 per cent share in Arsenal, is understood to be keen for Wenger to use the budget put at his disposal. That could involve an audacious move for Rooney - a transfer that the Russian believes would be a good move for both the club and the player.

He told American television channel CNBC: "(He is a) great player. If he comes it would be a big success for Arsenal and for Rooney also."

During the interview, Usmanov also expressed his support for Wenger, who oversaw a strong finish to the 2012/13 campaign as the team finished fourth in the Premier League to secure a Champions League qualifying play-off place.

"My point of view is that Arsene knows best," the 59-year-old Russian added. "Of course, we as shareholders do point out some drawbacks in managing the club, in steering its way through.

"But I believe he is a great coach and he has already proven that last season."