Arsenal have already confirmed two changes to their squad numbers heading into the 2025/26 season. David Raya, who has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the past two seasons, officially becomes the Gunners’ No.1 for the new term.
Previously No.22, the Spaniard inherits the shirt that was vacated by Aaron Ramsdale after his move to Southampton last summer. Following Raya’s decision to switch, Ethan Nwaneri has replaced the goalkeeper as the squad’s No.22.
The Arsenal teenager takes on the new shirt after wearing No.53 in what was an incredible breakout season at the Emirates Stadium. The news regarding the new shirt numbers came one day before Arsenal’s brand new adidas home shirt for the 2025/26 season went on sale on Thursday, May 16.
As no other shirt number swaps were mentioned at the time, it would appear that all of the first-team squad will be wearing their current digits next season. Arsenal’s iconic No.10 shirt is still available following Emile Smith Rowe’s decision to move across the capital and join Fulham last August.
Many associate the number with the great Dennis Bergkamp, who helped Arsenal win three Premier League titles and contributed with some outrageous goals during a truly memorable 11 years at Highbury. William Gallas shocked all by inheriting the number upon the Dutchman’s exit, with Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil and Smith Rowe also going on to don the number at certain points over the past 15 years.
So who exactly could take it on? football.london takes a look below:
A current member of the squad
You would have to say that’s unlikely given an announcement would have been made in the middle of May when Raya and Nwaneri’s new numbers were confirmed. However, we have seen some late shirt number changes in the past and it cannot be ruled out.
In terms of Arsenal’s current attacking players who may want it, Leandro Trossard, the club’s No.19, has worn No.10 for Belgium in the past. Kai Havertz wears No.29 but it’s hard to see him wanting to swap as it is a nod to his brother and he has donned the shirt at Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea and now Arsenal.
New striker
The addition of a new striker this summer is a must for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta. The Gunners’ failure to address the issue 12 months ago proved extremely costly and things may have panned out differently in regards to silverware had the boss had a striker up front who could score week in, week out.
Benjamin Sesko appears to be the striker who could sign on the dotted line ahead of the new season, with Sporting CP hotshot Viktor Gyokeres someone who has been heavily linked with Arsenal after scoring for fun in Portugal. As Gabriel Jesus currently owns the coveted No.9 shirt, No.10 is the best option available to the incoming striker.
New attacking signing
Once Martin Zubimendi and a striker are in through the door, Arsenal have other positions they need to strengthen. The Gunners really could do with adding another attacking option to their roster, with a new left-winger seen as a priority.
Nico Williams and Leroy Sane have been mentioned in regards to an Arsenal move as the club look to hit the next level. It could be a new attacker who takes on No.10 if one of Sesko or Gyokeres doesn’t.
