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Arsenal have made a decision on Mesut Ozil’s vacant number 10 jersey.
An era is drawing to a close at Arsenal with Mesut Ozil departing north London six months early to join boyhood side Fenerbahce this January.
With his departure opening up room in the squad both spatially and financially, who could be brought in has been dominating the headlines. While no outcome is expected on that front until the end of the window, or even the summer, talk has emerged of who could assume his famous No. 10.
A shirt number worn by clubs legends Dennis Bergkamp and Charlie George in the past, among others, who will be bestowed the honour with the German leaving has become a hot topic.
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If it were to be handed to someone this month, positional fit Emile Smith Rowe would be among the options. However, not the wise ones, at that. In fact, giving the No. 10 to anyone this January would be an unwise call, not least when there are far more pressing issues at hand. Like, y’know, trying to get out of mid-table.
As per The Athletic, Arsenal are in no rush for any current player to apply for a change of squad number, not least because of the financial repercussions. Those thought to be in contention – at least Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette seem to think so – could be allowed to apply for a mid-season change if Arsenal submit an application to the Premier League.
In such instances, the club would would have to grant supporters who has previously purchased said player’s shirt chance to exchange their option for the new No. 10 variation for free. It’s an expense Arsenal would rather avoid in the current climate.
Niklas Bendtner famously changed his squad number from 26 to 52 before the start of the 2009/10 season, personally offering to cover the cost of any supporter who’d already bought a replica jersey.
With no player in the squad expected to have a mid-season change, it opens the door for the new creative midfielder the club are seeking to take on the responsibility. Arsenal are seeking numbers in that department to complement Smith Rowe, with whoever comes in finding themselves in a strong position to inherit No. 10.
Who are the options, though? And who should get the number?
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.