Bergkamp offer too embarrassing’

DENNIS BERGKAMP’S agent has dismissed the new contract Arsenal are offering the Dutch striker as “too embarrassing for words.”

Bergkamp has reportedly been proposed a one-year deal but on a lower salary than he was receiving before.

His agent, Rob Jansen, was highly critical of Highbury officials, and their handling of the situation.

“The contract Arsenal have offered Dennis is too embarrassing for words.

“I am not going to make public the amount of money involved, but I want to say that this is not the way to deal with people.

“I still intend to get a good outcome from this situation but we are disappointed with the way Arsenal have behaved.”

Bergkamp, who is remaining in Holland until his future is resolved, had hoped to finish out his career at Highbury and was intending to put pen to paper on a new deal back in May.

The 34-year-old, who has won two Premiership titles, three FA Cups, made 79 appearances for his country and played at the World Cup, said at the time:

“The boss (Arsene Wenger) told me months ago that he wanted to carry on with me for another season. I want it as well so hopefully there won’t be any problems.”

Meanwhile, Eidur Gudjohnsen’s future at Chelsea has been thrown into doubt after the club yesterday withdrew their offer of a one-year extension to his contract before undertaking a dramatic U-turn last night.

The 24-year-old striker still has two years left to run on his current deal and is keen to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Icelandic international had agreed improved terms with the club last week before Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich launched his successful £140m takeover bid.

Then the club refused to finalise the deal before making a dramatic U-turn last night.

The players’s father and agent, Arnar admitted that the situation was a somewhat farcical.

“Yes, Chelsea have been back onto us and the deal is on the table, Gudjohnsen senior confirmed.

“I don’t know what has been going on.

“Eidur got a call from (chief executive Trevor Birch to say the deal was back and he is to sign it later today.

“For what has happened there is no explanation Apparently the new owner likes him a lot and wants him to sign the new deal.

“Eidur cannot believe what has happened. These have probably been the craziest days of his life.

“He is happy that it is all cleared up and he can focus on his football.”

The Stamford Bridge side are ready to make a move for Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert.

The Dutchman can leave the Catalan club for a fee of just £1.2m after Barcelona cut his wages. That activated a clause in his contract allowing the 27-year-old to go for a knockdown price.

Newcastle were reportedly interested in the striker, but are said to have baulked at his wage demands.