Wayne Rooney Urges Arsenal to Hijack United’s Pursuit of Mateta

🕓 Last updated on September 17, 2025

Wayne Rooney urges Arsenal to hijack Manchester United’s Mateta transfer, claiming the striker could solve Arteta’s attacking problems.

Wayne Rooney has urged Arsenal to hijack Manchester United’s transfer move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Manchester United legend believes Mateta can solve Arsenal’s striker problems and inject the firepower Mikel Arteta’s squad desperately needs.

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Mateta has hit top form at Crystal Palace, scoring 34 goals across all competitions over the past two seasons. After a slow start following his 2022 move from Mainz, the 27-year-old French forward has flourished under manager Oliver Glasner, becoming one of the Premier League’s most in-demand strikers.

Rooney, speaking to BBC Sport, praised Mateta’s physicality and goal-scoring instincts. “Jean-Philippe Mateta is a big, strong lad who scores a lot of goals,” Rooney said. “Arsenal keep putting balls into the box without anyone to finish them. He would help from that point of view.”

Arsenal have struggled to find consistency up front this season. Injuries and poor form have left Arteta short of reliable options, and Rooney believes Mateta fits the bill. He emphasized that Arsenal must act quickly to avoid missing out, especially with Manchester United already in talks to sign the striker.

“Arsenal failed to sign a centre forward, and now they’re dealing with an injury crisis,” Rooney added. “Mateta would give them the edge they need to compete at the top of the Premier League.”

With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal face a decision. Mateta’s reported £40 million price tag may seem steep, but Rooney insists the investment could pay off. Whether Arsenal will follow his advice remains to be seen—but the race for Mateta is heating up fast.

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