Arsenal, like many football clubs, have iconic shirt numbers usually reserved for big signings and homegrown talent given the weight left by legends of the past.
For the Gunners, No. 14 stands tall given the ties to their greatest-ever player: Thierry Henry. Other shirt numbers, like 10, might not have the same heaviness to them but still have significant importance given how numbers tie into the sport overall. With the 10, the player most recognised is Henry’s duo up top: Dennis Bergkamp. Though, there is also the likes of the late Kevin Campbell, Paul Merson and many others to wear it before him.
Bergkamp dazzled at Highbury wearing the shirt number. He scored one of the greatest Premier League goals of all time with the number emblazoned on his back against Newcastle United. After Bergkamp, the number was worn by five different players when the Gunners moved to Emirates Stadium. And, no one really lived up to the glory left behind by the Dutchman.
William Gallas, Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshire, Mesut Özil and Emile Smith Rowe are the five names to wear the shirt at the Emirates, though the number is currently vacant after Smith Rowe’s 2024 move to Fulham.
With Eberechi Eze seemingly on his way back home, could he take on the pressure of the shirt and lead Arsenal to a major honour? In a transfer that complements other major signings with Viktor Gyökeres taking the 14? Given he wore it with Crystal Palace, it seems likely the England midfielder dons the number for his new club too.
Ahead of possible confirmation, here’s the full history of the Arsenal No. 10 shirt below including every player to wear it for the Gunners.
Arsenal No. 10 Shirt History
Emirates Stadium Era
Pre-Emirates Stadium Era
READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Arsenal No. 10 Shirt History: Eberechi Eze in Line to Follow Club Legends.
