Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Gabriel Martinelli may have hinted at his dream Arsenal shirt number after change is teased

Gabriel Martinelli could be in line for a shirt number change at Arsenal next season.

There has already been a number of shirt number alterations at the Emirates Stadium this summer with Thomas Partey getting the ball rolling by swapping No.18 for his favoured No.5.

As well as officially being promoted to the Arsenal first team, academy graduates Folarin Balogun and Arthur Okonkwo will wear No.26 and No.33 next season.

But perhaps the biggest change is that of Emile Smith Rowe, as he's been handed the iconic No.10 shirt - previously worn by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Mesut Ozil and Robin van Persie - after signing a new long-term contract.

So, is Martinelli next in line? Well, there's a theory that he will be.

Since joining from Brazilian outfit Ituano in the summer of 2019, the forward has worn the No.35 shirt, but as spotted in Arsenal's pre-season clash with Watford on Wednesday afternoon it was in use.

Gunners wonderkid Miguel Azeez was sporting the No.35 on his back when introduced to proceedings at London Colney and it may be a lucky charm as he found the back of the net with a lovely finish.

If that is to be the teenager's shirt number for the new season, then it confirms Martinelli will be making a change.

And it would appear that he may have one particular number in mind after heaping praise on Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

"Of course, Auba is an incredible player," he told ESPN Brasil earlier in the year. "Not just a player, an incredible person. It’s a pleasure to have him in the team. He’s a guy who plays in my position.

Martinelli assisted Aubameyang against Newcastle last season. (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"I can look at him every day and try to learn as much as possible.

"I certainly hope to be playing in the near future.

"And follow in his footsteps, he’s captain of the team, wearing shirt 14, which is a symbol of the club. I hope to have a bright future ahead at Arsenal."

Whilst Martinelli did not necessarily confirm his wish is to be Arsenal's next No.14, his admission about following in Aubameyang's footsteps may hint at that being his dream shirt number.

Of course, there is very little chance of him getting No.14 for next season.

That is unless there is a surprising turn of events between now and transfer deadline day that sees Aubameyang vacate the shirt number.

Although, Aubameyang is contracted to Arsenal until 2023 and Martinelli may have his eye on the iconic shirt number when it becomes available.

Alternatively, the 20-year-old could pick out a number that has been selected for him by some Arsenal supporters, who think he should take No.11.

For that to happen, Lucas Torreira - the club's incumbent no.11 - would have to leave this summer.

Do you want an exclusive pre-season Arsenal preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy!

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.