• Premier League

Wilshere: Rooney signing would make rivals fear Arsenal

Jack Wilshere believes if Arsenal were to sign Wayne Rooney the England striker would "bring fear to the opposition" - something he believes the club have lacked in recent times.

The 21-year-old has endured a frustrating couple of years - missing the entire 2011-12 campaign through injury and absent for the early stages of the previous season.

And the midfielder believes the arrival of his England international team-mate from Manchester United could help the Gunners end their eight-year run without silverware.

"If it happens, it would be amazing. He's the type of player who can win you trophies," Wilshere told ESPN.

The future of Rooney at United continues to remain uncertain, with the striker set to meet new manager David Moyes this week after he handed in a transfer request at the back-end of last season.

"Just to see his name on the team sheet brings fear to the opposition. We could do with a little more of that," Wilshere added.

An ankle problem kept Wilshere out of action for 14 months, but the playmaker says he is primed for the new campaign and staying injury-free.

"[My ankle is] 100%. I'm really looking forward to having a solid preseason," he said. "I haven't had one in two years, and once you miss it, you're always playing catch-up. It's a chance to show the manager that you deserve to be in the team and I think there's going to be competition for a few spots. But that's a good thing."

Arsenal appear to be leading the race to snap up Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, with Wilshere noting about the potential signing: "I've never played against him, but anyone who plays for Real Madrid and Argentina has to be quality."

And Wilshere believes the courting of the likes of Higuain and Rooney convey the need for the North London outfit to deliver success at the Emirates.

"You look at the type of players like Higuain we're trying to bring in and you've got to be encouraged...It's no secret we need to win a trophy," he said. "How long has it been now, seven or eight years?

"The players feel the pressure and we've gotten close a few times, like with the Carling Cup a couple of years ago. I think once we win one, others will follow."

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