Bergkamp faces a tough battle, warns Wenger

ARSENE WENGER has warned that Dennis Bergkamp faces a tougher battle than ever to hold down a regular first-team place at Arsenal – even if he agrees a new contract.

Bergkamp would appear to be finally heading towards a resolution with Arsenal over a one-year deal having said he was initially offended by the cut-price terms being offered to him.

Wenger is keen to keep Bergkamp at Highbury and the Dutchman’s agent, Rob Jansen, is now expecting the striker to join pre-season training by the end of this week after turning down an approach from Bolton.

Wenger has made no new signings so far this summer as he has been frustrated by the club’s lack of spending power and the decision of Harry Kewell to join Liverpool.

However, he has still kept hold of Kanu, Francis Jeffers and Sylvain Wiltord, despite speculation that he would be prepared to release any of them at the right price.

Highly-rated French prospect Jeremie Aliadiere is also fit after missing the final six months of last season through injury and came through the first half of last Friday’s friendly against Peterborough along with Jeffers.

Wenger, who has also been linked with a move for Lens striker Daniel Moreira, can therefore offer 34-year-old Bergkamp no guarantees despite his continuing faith in his ability. The manager is committed to keeping the key elements of his current squad together as talks continue with both Patrick Vieira and Bergkamp over new contracts, as well as bringing in a new goalkeeper.

Vieira has warned the club that they risk losing him on a Bosman free transfer next summer unless the lucrative deal that he is seeking at Highbury is agreed before the start of the new campaign.

Meanwhile Leeds boss Peter Reid is poised to soften the potential blow of losing Brazil star Kleberson by signing compatriot Rodrigo.

Rodrigo is currently on trial with Leeds following his release at the end of last season from Everton where he sustained a cruciate ligament injury just seven weeks after a £1.25million move from Botafogo last summer.

The 27-year-old had been signed up on a one-year deal, with an option beyond that, and although Rodrigo returned to training towards the end of the campaign, it was not enough time to convince boss David Moyes to extend the stay.

With long-time target Kleberson possibly on his way to Manchester United, with boss Alex Ferguson today confirming they were “pursuing an interest”, Rodrigo could now fill the void at Elland Road.