Arsenal hope a package of around £170,000-per-week and a multi-million pound signing on fee - plus the security of a five year contract - could persuade Rooney to take a pay cut from his current £250,000-per-week deal at Old Trafford, that has two years left to run.
The club have also explored moves for Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, who remain high on Arsene Wenger's wanted list, while Swansea striker Michu is also a fall-back option.
