Arsenal: 4 iconic shirt numbers available in the summer

Arsenal spent January dedicated to trimming and improving their squad, although only one of those targets was met in a remarkable transfer window.

On top of numerous departures before the season began Arsenal bid farewell to six more senior squad members, three who left permanently and three who departed on loan moves.

It was a surprising course of action to take based on the number of incomings: zero.

For almost all of the departures it is no great loss not to secure replacements, with the only major gripe being the decision not to sign a striker. Even a loan move for someone with a decent track record in front of goal would have sufficed.

Arsenal: 4 iconic shirt numbers available in the summer after January and summer transfer moves as well as players’ contracts expiring

The month’s action means Mikel Arteta’s squad has been reduced to just 20 first team players – Arthur Okonkwo is unlikely to play therefore isn’t counted – which is enough for a whole matchday squad.

Thursday’s trip to Wolves will see every senior player remaining, with the exclusion of Okonkwo, being on the coach up to the Black Country.

What else does heavy trimming of the squad entail, though? Well, it frees up squad numbers, of course!

Squad numbers mean so much to many supporters. Growing up and watching their icons and favourite players write football history with certain numbers on their backs holds special meaning. And when the summer comes around there will be new faces hoping to follow suit in some iconic numbers in the history of Arsenal.

Four very special numbers will be freed up come the summertime.

Number 14

One of the most iconic numbers in Arsenal’s history, all thanks to one man.

While it had been worn in the past on occasion by some memorable club greats, it became what it is today thanks to the best player ever to play for the club, Thierry Henry.

Since then it has endured mixed success, although plenty of goals: Theo Walcott is in the 100 club and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was just seven short of joining him in much fewer games. Both players had their ups and downs but generally speaking those who’ve worn the number 14 since Henry’s time have been effective in front of goal.

Who might that be next now Aubameyang is gone? There is already talk of Gabriel Martinelli eyeing up the legendary number in the summer, who is due an upgrade on his current No. 35.

If it is handed to Martinelli then nobody would begrudge him it. This is a player heading straight for the top. The number 14 will follow him all the way.

Continued on next page…