Bergkamp to retire unless assured of prominent role

Mark Bradley

However, the Dutchman wants to carry on for a final season if he is reassured by Arsene Wenger that he still has a prominent part to play in the first team at Highbury.

Wenger has already indicated that Bergkamp would be likely to start less often, with compatriot Robin van Persie having been given the nod ahead of him at West Brom on Monday night.