Dutch World Cup star Ronald De Boer is pinning his hopes of signing for Arsenal in time for the Charity Shield on the outcome of a contract tribunal next week.

The independent hearing is charged with ruling whether De Boer and his twin brother Frank should be allowed to break their contracts with Ajax running until 2004 so that they can complete respective transfers to Arsenal and Barcelona.

If Ronald's prospective £10 million switch to Arsenal can be completed quickly he will be in line to make his debut for the Premiership champions and FA Cup holders against Manchester United at Wembley on August 9th.

He has reaffirmed his commitment to the Londoners too, insisting: "I know exactly what the score is with Arsenal. I wouldn't go into this if my future wasn't guaranteed," he told The Mail on Sunday.