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Mikel Merino potential shirt numbers at Arsenal
- Mikel Merino has been Real Sociedad's #8 since he joined La Liga club
- Martin Odegaard will not relinquish shirt
- What are the other options for Merino?
Arsenal's deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is proving tougher to pull off than initially thought, but we can expect the Spaniard to join the club before the end of the summer transfer window.
Sociedad are proving stubborn, but Arsenal's intent on signing the physical duel fiend means the Gunners are unlikely to back down. They may, however, be forced to pay a little more than they wanted for a player entering the final year of his contract.
Assuming the Merino deal does get over the line, there will be plenty of subtle details to consider. One of which is the midfielder's potential shirt number in north London.
Let's run through Merino's shirt number history and his possible options for 2024/25.
What shirt numbers has Mikel Merino previously worn?
Since returning from a brief and unsuccessful Premier League venture with Newcastle, Merino has worn the number eight shirt at Real Sociedad. The seasoned midfielder has spent the previous six years of his career in San Sebastian, blossoming into one of La Liga's most consistent and reliable operators.
While Merino is comfortable functioning from the base of midfield, he would be expected to take up more of a box-to-box role for Arteta. He could rekindle Granit Xhaka's role from 2022/24 given his physical profile.
The 28-year-old wore #23 with Newcastle and #24 for Borussia Dortmund having donned the #8 with Osasuna at the start of his career.
What shirt numbers are available at Arsenal?
There aren't exactly an array of prestigious numbers available for Merino. His favoured #8 is currently worn by club captain Martin Odegaard, and the skipper will not be relinquishing that shirt anytime soon.
Emile Smith Rowe has vacated the #10, but Merino just isn't that sort of player. He's not a #10.
Merino could take the currently available #16, while Albert Sambi Lokonga vacated the #23 shirt after leaving for Sevilla on loan. The Spaniard also has #25, #26 and #28 at his disposal with a venture into the 30 club unlikely. Should Eddie Nketiah (#14), Reiss Nelson (#24), or Fabio Vieira (#21) leave the club before the transfer deadline, their respective shirts will be available for Merino.
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