Overmars set for Highbury talks

Overmars was a dejected figure as Holland went out of Euro 2000

Marc Overmars holds talks with Arsenal next week that will decide his Arsenal future.

Overmars spoke out as speculation grew that he could be ready to quit the club.

The Dutch winger - still coming to terms with the disappointment of Holland's Euro 2000 exit - is believed to want improved terms at Highbury.

And he has seen his bargaining position strengthened by interest from Barcelona and Lazio, with the Italians reported to be ready to pay up to £16m for his services.

Bergkamp has hung up his international boots

Manager Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his desire to keep Overmars, and hopes the Barcelona interest will cool now Louis Van Gaal, who was keen to take his fellow countryman to the Nou Camp, has quit the Catalan club.

There are some meetings going on with the club - we will talk next week

Marc Overmars

Overmars admitted the Euro 2000 semi-final penalty shoot out defeat against Italy was "the biggest disappointment of my career".

And he failed to clear up confusion about his Arsenal career when he was asked whether he would be at Highbury next season.

Tearful

He said: "You never know. There are some meetings going on with the club. We will talk next week."

Overmars was still openly tearful and struggling to come to terms with the heartbreak of Holland's defeat on penalties.

He revealed: "We practice them, and we practice them every day. Maybe it is something to do with mentality."

Overmars' team-mate for club and country, Dennis Bergkamp, confirmed he has decided to quit international football, along with departing Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard.

Bergkamp did hint he has not closed the door completely, but he is now ready to devote more of his time to Arsenal.

It remains to be seen if the same applies to Overmars.