Arsenal to honor Dennis Bergkamp with statue

Dennis Bergkamp will become the fourth Arsenal great to be immortalized by the Premier League club with a statue outside Emirates Stadium, honoring his

Dennis Bergkamp made more than 300 appearances with Arsenal from 1995 to 2006 :: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

Dennis Bergkamp will become the fourth Arsenal great to be immortalized by the Premier League club with a statue outside Emirates Stadium, honoring his contribution to the club.

Arsenal says the statue of the former Netherlands forward "is still in its early construction phase'' and will be unveiled before the start of next season.

Bergkamp says "I am honored that this is going to happen. It makes me very proud.''

Bergkamp scored 120 goals for Arsenal in his 11 years with the club from 1995-2006.

Bronze statues of former manager Herbert Chapman, double-winning captain Tony Adams and record goalscorer Thierry Henry are already in place around the Emirates.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis says in a club statement released Wednesday "Dennis' quality and style of play will never be forgotten.''