EXCLUSIVE: Mikel Arteta offers Dennis Bergkamp Arsenal academy role

Steve Kay

Updated: 11 Dec 2023 09:03 GMT
3 min read

Arsenal could witness the return of club legend Dennis Bergkamp next year, FootballTransfers can reveal, as sources have informed us that Mikel Arteta has extended a personal invitation for the Dutchman to join the Arsenal Academy coaching staff.

Article continues under the video

It’s thought that the Arsenal legend is eager to rekindle his passion for coaching and will seriously consider any offer made by his former club.

Arteta believes that Bergkamp's experience and footballing philosophy would have a great impact on the club’s youth setup for years to come.

The Spaniard welcomed Jack Wilshere back to the club in a coaching capacity last year to lead their Under-18s - and now it's thought that the doors are open for Bergkamp to contribute to the development of the younger players at the Arsenal Academy.

Meanwhile, we are told that Wilshere is exploring managerial opportunities both domestically and abroad. He may be on the verge of a new chapter in his career, having engaged in talks with several clubs domestically and in the MLS.

© ProShots - Mikel Arteta would like to see Dennis Bergkamp back at Arsenal

© ProShots - Former Arsenal player Jack Wilshere is currently a coach

The precise nature of Bergkamp's potential role is yet to be revealed, though sources have claimed that talks are ongoing - however, no formal offer has been forthcoming just yet.

There is the idea that Bergkamp could become a successor to Wilshere if he were to leave the club.

What did Dennis Bergkamp achieve at Arsenal?

Bergkamp left Inter Milan in 1995 and signed with Arsenal for a transfer fee estimated at £7.5 million. The Non-Flying Dutchman played 423 games for the side, netting 120 goals in total.

During his tenure in north London, Bergkamp helped Arsenal win three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a Champions League runners-up spot.

Bergkamp recently revealed his desire to get back into the game. "I'm itching to get back into football once more," Bergkamp revealed to the Dutch media.

"I don't think I am good enough to be a head coach, as I don't think am sufficiently interested to want to manage everything. I respect people who can do this, but I prefer a different role - in between the youth squad and the first team. I find the best job to be in developing players. My role in acting as a bridge for youth-team players in getting to the first eleven suited me the best.

"I found this to be a great job while I was at Ajax. I saw the young prospects coming through, discussed them with the youth coaches and the academy head, and I also had the ear of the head coach. I hope for a similar role in the future if I get back into football - and I think it will happen. This is one of my chief ambitions, as I think it is something I can do well."