Arsenal are moving even closer to completing the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spain international has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer as the Gunners look to strengthen their midfield options. Zubimendi has also been linked with Real Madrid this summer, as well, but all signs point towards the midfielder joining Mikel Arteta’s squad at ahead of the new 2025/26 Premier League season.
There have been reports suggesting that Arsenal are planning to offer a fee slightly higher than the €60million (£51million) release clause in Zubimendi’s contract. It has also been suggested that a deal may not be completed until July, which will mark the start of a new financial year for European clubs, including the Gunners and Sociedad.
If Arsenal do get a deal for Zubimendi over the line, it would leave them needing to make a rather important decision. As is often the case with new signings, clubs tend to give players a squad number upon their arrival.
On other occasions, squad numbers are handed out later in the summer once further deals have been completed.
Arsenal currently have two options which could be perfect for Zubimendi, if the Gunners complete the signing of the Spain international. At present, Arsenal have No.10 and No.14 available for new signings.
No.10 has been vacant ever since Emile Smith Rowe’s switch to Fulham last year – while Eddie Nketiah was the last player to wear No.14 before he joined Crystal Palace a year ago. Both numbers have also been worn by some of the best players in Premier League history for Arsenal.
No.10 has previously been worn by Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil; while Thierry Henry, Theo Walcott and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all worn the No.14 in the past.
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