The shirt numbers left for Arsenal summer signings
- William Saliba has switched from 12 to 2 already this summer
- Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber will need new shirt numbers
- Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe could vacate digits with departures
Football clubs all have legends associated with iconic numbers and Premier League giants Arsenal are no different.
Thierry Henry single-handedly made the number 14 shirt cool thanks to his incredible career with the Gunners, Patrick Vieira perfectly demonstrated his ability as a four in midfield, and former captain Tony Adams took no prisoners with five on his back.
Things are looking up for Mikel Arteta's side, having secured many key first team stars to new deals as well as bringing in Kai Havertz from Chelsea after finishing second in the Premier League. The German is Arsenal's new 29, though Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice are also expected through the door imminently and will need numbers assigning.
Here are the shirts they could take at the Emirates.
#12
Breakout defensive star William Saliba played his first Gunners season with the number 12 but a new contract saw his wage boosted and a digit taken off his squad number.
He's since been given the number two shirt, leaving 12 free for a new arrival. Timber has worn the two shirt for Ajax since 2020/21 and while he won't be able to retain it at the Emirates, he will have either 12 or the next available shirt.
#22
Arsenal's next available number is 22, most recently worn by Brazilian defender Pablo Mari before he departed twice on loan to Udinese and Monza, eventually joining the latter permanently.
Other former Arsenal 22s include Denis Suarez, Yaya Sanogo and Francis Coquelin. Certainly a varied bunch.
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#34
It would be quite an alpha move for one of Arsenal's remaining summer signings to swoop in for the number 34 shirt, given tears are still being shed from Granit Xhaka's departure.
However, it might appeal to Declan Rice if he fancies donning a number also worn in the past by Francis Coquelin, Kieran Gibbs and Ashley Cole.
#41
However, there is one number England international Rice will have his eye on, although he gave no real explanation when previously asked about his love of the 41 shirt.
He said last year: "It was just the number I was given in the academy by the kitman, when you are in the Under-23s there are the first team squad numbers and then it gets to the higher numbers and I was given 41 when I went to Seattle on my first trip with the first-team. I was just given 41 and it has stayed with me since.
"And to be honest with you I have been having these conversations with my dad, regardless of what happens in my career I may stay with 41."
41 has very little significance at Arsenal but Rice could change that by impressing once his record transfer from West Ham is completed.
There may of course be departures from the Arsenal squad before the start of the season, which would open up certain numbers in the first team. The likes of Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric Soares have assigned digits under 20 but have each been linked with exits this summer.
LISTEN NOW
On this edition of The Chronicles of a Gooner, part of the 90min podcast network, Harry Symeou looks back at Arsenal's first friendly of the summer against Watford. We discuss when we can expect announcements for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz making himself at home and take some of your questions from the live chat!
If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!