What shirt number would Zubimendi get at Arsenal? | OneFootball

As Arsenal close in on the signing of Martin Zubimendi, attention turns to what shirt number the Spanish midfielder might wear in north London next season.

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Martin Zubimendi’s expected move to Arsenal this summer raises early questions around what shirt number the Spanish midfielder might wear at the Emirates.

Real Sociedad have begun promoting their pre-season tour of Japan, with fixtures scheduled against V-Varen Nagasaki and Yokohama FC, but Zubimendi is notably absent from the promotional material.

While Takefusa Kubo features prominently, the absence of one of Sociedad’s most important players amid transfer rumours adds weight to the growing belief that his departure is imminent.

At his current club, Zubimendi switched from number 3 to number 4 at the start of the 2023-24 season. That number is unavailable at Arsenal, with Ben White in possession of the shirt and no expectation that he will vacate it.

However, the number 3 shirt is set to become vacant when Kieran Tierney returns to Celtic following the expiration of his Arsenal contract. Zubimendi could theoretically reclaim the number he previously wore at Sociedad.

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With Spain, Zubimendi now wears 6, having moved up from the 18 shirt in recent seasons. At Arsenal, the 6 belongs to Gabriel, but the number 5 may become free this summer if Thomas Partey leaves, with the Ghanaian midfielder currently out of contract and no renewal yet announced.

Elsewhere, shirt numbers 10, 14, 16, 20, 21, 24 and 25 are all potentially available.

The 20 will be vacated by Jorginho when his deal expires at the end of the season.

The number 10, a shirt of significant prestige at Arsenal, has not been reassigned since Emile Smith Rowe moved to Fulham, but could be earmarked for Ethan Nwaneri as he transitions to a full senior role.