Arsenal striker Dennis Bergkamp has told fans that he would welcome back Emmanuel Petit and Marc Overmars to Highbury and that the Londoners have badly missed the dynamic duo this season.

French World Cup star Petit and flying Dutchman Overmars were sold to Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer for a combined fee of around £30million.

"We've definitely missed Marc Overmars and Manu since they left and it was a disappointing day when they moved on," Bergkamp told Icons.com.

"Just look at what Manu gave to Arsenal. He was as solid as you like in midfield and always won the tackles for us. He was also a great long passer which complimented Patrick Vieira's shorter passing game.

"Those two had such a balance and understanding in midfield, they were just awesome."

Petit has been unable to hold down a regular place in the Barcelona starting line-up this season sparking rumours that he might return to Arsenal.

"I know Marc Overmars had long wanted to move to Barcelona but I'm not so sure that Manu's arm wasn't forced a bit in that transfer," said Bergkamp.

"Anyway, there are so many advantages to a player returning to an old club. He knows the staff, the ground, the players, the area. There's so much familiarity for him that he could hopefully just slot straight back in.

"I know some people think that Manu was volatile and that he'd long wanted out from Arsenal by the time he left, but if that was the case we certainly weren't aware of it."