Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Dennis Bergkamp could get a new contract provided that he accepts being a squad player instead of a first-choice striker next season.
The 34-year-old striker’s current one-year deal expires in June and he wants another season with a club he helped to league and FA Cup doubles in 1998 and 2002.
However, with Arsenal signing young Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes as his replacement in January, and many promising youngsters like Jeremie and Bentley to breed, Bergkamp might not be first choice striker next season.
Wenger thinks Bergkamp deserves the contract extension.
“Mentally, of course, he deserves it because he has been amazing.”
“But you have to consider that, at that age, it’s short term. It will depend as well on him. Will he accept that the time comes when he will not be an automatic choice?
“You can still be very useful if you can adapt to coming on and making the difference.”
Bergkamp has been on form: scoring goals and providing the killer passes with his exceptional vision.
“Dennis looks really sharp,” Wenger said.
“Last year, he had little niggles here and there and you had to pull him out of training. That was never the case this year and as well he had a good preparation, good pre-season.”
It will be a boost if Bergkamp signed a new contract. He is a fantastic player who will be an inspiration to the club and youth. A legend that every club would love to have.