Arsenal Make Wise Mesut Ozil Number 10 Decision

Emile Smith Rowe

Being dragged through the mire by the superb displays of the club’s youngsters, it seems fitting that such a prestigious number should be granted to someone who will sculpt the future of the football club.

By that reckoning, Smith Rowe is the natural successor.

Currently donning the less glamorous No. 32, the player who looks destined to assume Ozil’s previously held place in the side is the ideal fit.

Yes, and no. Smith Rowe has barely played for the senior side and while giving him a true show of faith would signal the club’s intentions, it’s far too soon to be making such decisions. In the years to come he may well assume that role, but for now it’s best to let him keep developing and enjoy his football without the added weight of that number.

Gabriel Martinelli

Another player who is destined to move away from his current squad number, Gabriel Martinelli’s upward trajectory means it’s a matter of time before the No. 35 is banished to the history books.

Lucas Torreira currently holds the No. 11 shirt, one that could well become the Brazilian’s in the summer, while No. 10 is certainly not out of the question.

Still, it’s a similar situation as Smith Rowe. These are young players carrying the club at present. They need not bear any excess baggage along the way.

Arsenal are right to not make any sudden decisions this month. Unless they sign the new No. 10, then the summer is time for evaluation.

It isn’t really that important right now.

Willian

Behave.

People would genuinely renounce their support for Arsenal.

New Signing / Wait Until the Summer

Considering it’s hugely unimportant right now in the grand scheme of things, unless Arsenal sign a world-class creative operator this window, dishing out the No. 10 is rightfully not a pressing matter.

If they brought in a temporary loan signing then there is no harm in giving them the shirt as it’ll be free once more in the summer, so at this stage waiting and directing their attentions towards not being a mid-table side is, obviously, higher up on the to-do list.

On the off chance a Houssem Aouar or Emi Buendia joins, then they’d arguably be first in line.

Until then, hold fast.