Arsenal hope to resolves stars' futures

Arsenal hope to resolve the futures of star duo Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp in the very near future, while speculation about Chelsea’s planned bid for striker Thierry Henry ha received short shrift in the famous marble halls of Highbury.

Reports over the weekend had suggested France midfielder Vieira had tied up a new deal with the Gunners but Vieira moved quickly to put the record straight.

And, although he has not yet put pen to paper, the 27-year-old club captain - who joined from AC Milan for in August 1996 and has since played over 300 games – has all but pledged to have everything tied up before the new Premier League season commences on August 16.

“Contrary to the article I have not actually signed a new contract with Arsenal Football Club yet,” Vieira told the club’s website, www.arsenal.com.

“However, negotiations are going well, improving all the time, and I’m very hopeful things will be sorted out by the start of the season.

“I would like to make it clear that I will make any announcements regarding my future through Arsenal Football Club.”

The official line from the club is that they do not comment on newspaper speculation or players’ contract negotiations but the noises coming out of Highbury suggest Gunners fans can rest assured that the club will hold on to their major stars – including Henry.

Russian oil billionaire Roman Abramovich’s takeover of London rivals Chelsea has prompted claims the Blues were set to make a cheeky bid to tempt the prolific Henry across the capital.

However, Arsenal chiefs will flatly refuse to listen should any offers come in for the Frenchman as they will not allow their best players to leave, which of course raises hopes over Vieira pledging his long-term commitment to the club soon.

The future of former Holland international Dennis Bergkamp appeared to be less clear after his agent was reported to have stated the player would remain in his homeland rather than report for pre-season training as the dispute over his new deal rumbles on.

“Dennis and I are very surprised and insulted by the way Arsenal have approached the situation.

"There is no way he will be there (at training),” agent Rob Jansen told the Daily Star.

“We are still waiting to see if Arsenal will improve the offer.”

But Arsenal fully expect to see the Dutchman when training resumes this week and an announcement on his contract negotiations is believed to be imminent.