Dutch forward Dennis Bergkamp has signed a one-year contract extension with champions Arsenal until the end of the 2004/5 season.

Bergkamp, who turned 35 on Monday, joined the London club in July 1995 from Inter Milan for 7.5 million pounds.

He was an important part of the team that won the English premier league and FA Cup double in 1998 and 2002, and this season has been a key foil for top scorer Thierry Henry.

"I am so pleased that I will be at Arsenal for another year. Next season will be my 10th with the Club, and that just shows what Arsenal means to me," Bergkamp said.

Manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal's website: "We are delighted that Dennis is staying with us for another season. He has once again showed throughout this year what an important part of our squad he is."

Bergkamp has played in 26 of 37 league matches this season, scoring four goals. Arsenal can complete an unbeaten season, the first by an English top flight club since 1889, if they avoid defeat against Leicester City on Saturday.