Arsenal legend Tony Adams has played down his former club’s potential interest in unsettled Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, claiming the England international will not be able to handle the lifestyle change London poses for the striker.

Arsene Wenger has publicly claimed that he would grab the opportunity of bringing Rooney to Arsenal, backed by the club’s co-owner Alisher Usmanov, who recently gave the green light for the move. Arsenal’s interest in Rooney comes in the light of the club’s potential signing of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, who the club plan to partner Rooney with.

Looking at both strikers, Higuain fits in the requirements of the club in terms of age, being 25-years old, while Rooney is slightly aged, turning 28 this year. On the other hand, Rooney provides Arsenal with Barclays Premier League experience of over a decade, which proves to be the difference between domestic and foreign buys on numerous occasions. Higuain has been playing in the Liga BBVA, which is dominated by two teams in Barcelona and Madrid. However, the Premier League poses a different threat to the striker, who will have to be up to speed throughout the season to perform in the intensity.

Rooney is also being targeted by Chelsea, who themselves are struggling to cope with the financial muscle of French outfit Monaco in competition for their transfer targets. The England international has a decision to make over the summer, and the rumors began by the appointment of David Moyes as successor to Sir Alex Ferguson. Moyes was manager when Rooney made his Premier League debut.

However, Adams’ comments come as a blow to the Arsenal supporters, who were expecting big things from Rooney’s arrival. But there could be some truth in the comments, as Adams himself lived as an Arsenal player his entire career, and would naturally know the features of life in London.

According to Metro, Adams did not question Rooney’s skills, but doubted over his ability to acclimate to the conditions in the new city.

Adams said, “I’m not sure Wayne Rooney could handle London, to be completely honest. That would be a massive risk for me,”

“I don’t think it’s a question of finances. I think it’s his temperament and mentality. London is a different animal. I think it takes a different type of player [to handle it].”

“I think Wayne is unquestionably a super player and I’d love to see him at the Arsenal. Technically he’s a fantastic player but I’m not sure about him mentally, off the pitch, and his professionalism.”

“I know Sir Alex Ferguson has dealt with Wayne brilliantly over the last few years and I’m sure Arsene could handle him, but I’m not sure. I wouldn’t like to spend my money on Wayne.”