Arsenal are delighted to be erecting a statue of Dennis Bergkamp at Emirates stadium.

Arsenal are to confirm at a later date the timings of the statue's placement.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: "It will be a fitting tribute to Dennis' huge contribution to the club that a statue will be on display outside Emirates Stadium in the near future.

"Dennis' quality and style of play will never be forgotten. He is a true legend of Arsenal and it's great to think that so many Arsenal supporters and visitors to Emirates Stadium will be able to enjoy this tribute to such a great player for years to come."

Gazidis suggested tonight's announcement had been brought forward in light of pictures surfacing online, which depicted the striker in a pose as he controlled the ball in mid-air against Newcastle in 2003.

He added: "Dennis and everybody at Arsenal are slightly disappointed that some images have been leaked today of the statue in its development, but this will not detract from the excitement we have for the statue's unveiling in the coming months."