Arsenal Transfer News: Jack Wilshere Is Spot-on with Assessment of Wayne Rooney

As Arsenal looks to bolster its squad this summer in anticipation of a strong run in 2013-14, the club has been linked to several big-name players. That list includes Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, according to SkySports.com.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will be able to land Rooney this offseason, but Jack Wilshere's recent assessment of the English star was not only flattering, but deadly accurate as well (via Sky Sports):

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He is the type of player who can win you trophies - and just to see his name on the team sheet brings fear to the opposition. We could do with a little more of that. You look at the type of players like Higuain we are trying to bring in and you have got to be encouraged.

I think we need a few more, not to step right into the team, but to add to the squad.

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Wilshere went on to emphasize the importance of having a deep team, and that it takes more than 11 elite players to win match after match at football's highest level.

In the end, the 21-year-old's comments about Rooney are what truly stand out. Rooney has done nothing but win at Old Trafford over the years, and while bringing him to the Emirates guarantees nothing in terms of titles, it does ensure that Arsenal strike fear into opponents before the match even begins.

Like so many powerhouse clubs, Arsenal would win the confidence and psychological battle before kickoff. 

This coming season will mark the 10th anniversary of the Gunners' last league championship, and it goes without saying that the club's supporters are growing more and more impatient by the match. 

Although Wilshere doesn't state it directly, you get the feeling from his comments that he believes a pursuit of Rooney would also energize the players and fans, who would then know the club's management is out to win above all else.

The departure of Robin van Persie a year ago was gut-wrenching for Arsenal. Finding a way to bring in Rooney would ensure that they land a superstar who can net 30-plus goals per year and would make the Emirates the place to be for other big names.

Rooney would add depth for the Gunners, giving them quality and flexibility, according to Wilshere (via Sky Sports):

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We need our squad to be as deep as United's and (Manchester) City's. They can change their back four completely and still win. There is no way United would have won the Premier League trophy with 18 players.

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With Arsenal in the mix to land Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, according to the Mirror's Darren Lewis, this summer could potentially signal a turning point for the former Premier League champions. 

Adding quality and depth is key for any team, but the Gunners are only a handful of pieces away from championship contention. 

Landing a top-flight striker like Wayne Rooney doesn't guarantee goals and victories, but it makes Arsenal a feared side and a much more appealing destination for other big names. And as Wilshere points out, if the Gunners can bring in a superstar and win a title, it's very possible that it could have a domino effect.

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