Ajax manager Ronald Koeman is hopeful of signing his former Dutch team-mate Dennis Bergkamp if the striker fails to agree a new contract with Arsenal.

Bergkamp’s current deal expires at the end of the season and although he has asked for a new one-year deal, there is a strong possibility that at the age of 34, the striker will be told he can leave Highbury.

“The balance of our XI is too far swayed towards youth – an experienced campaigner would be good,” Koeman told Dutch magazine Sportweek.

“It would be fantastic if Bergkamp wants to conclude his career here.”

Ajax have allowed Jari Litmanen to return to Finland with FC Lahti and Koeman sees Bergkamp as the ideal candidate to fill the void.

“If Bergkamp indicates that he no longer wants to stay at Arsenal, we must try and bring him here,” added Koeman.

“Playing as he is now, he can be of great value to Ajax.”