Arsene Wenger has imposed a Christmas deadline for Dennis Bergkamp to decide whether he wants to accept a new two-year contract with Arsenal.

And if he signs, the celebrated Dutch international will have to accept the prospect of reduced appearances in Wenger's first-choice team.

'It's up to Dennis to decide, and I would like the situation resolved before Christmas,' said the Arsenal manager. 'I want him to stay here. He knows that. But also he knows he will have to cope with the fact he will not play as much as he would like.

'We have four top-class strikers and only two positions for them. So there will always be two of them who are not happy on occasions. But they have to accept the situation.

'It's exactly the same at Manchester United, Lazio and Roma. It's part of the modern game now.'

Wenger himself is refusing to discuss a new deal to continue as manager after 2002 - a situation which could have even more influence on Bergkamp's eventual decision.

'It's not down to Arsenal, it is down to me,' Wenger explained. 'I have told the board that I want to wait until we know what the new transfer rules will be all about.

'It could be that FIFA and UEFA decide they want to destroy football and then I would have to reconsider my position.'

And Bergkamp conceded that his commitment to Arsenal is directly linked to Wenger's future. The manager's public uncertainty led the 31-year-old striker to make a significant admission as he prepared for another tribalistic encounter with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Monday.

'For me, the future is looking good, but if Wenger was to leave, that could change my future at Arsenal,' Bergkamp said. 'I have already indicated to Arsenal that I really enjoy being at the club and want to finish my career here.

'But you just never know whether you would get the same kind of manager again as Wenger. And at this stage of my career I cannot be bothered to start all over again with a new coach, getting used to each other's methods, style and approach to the game.'