The winger had worn that number at Chelsea, before his snub saw him stripped of it following Pedro Neto's arrival. Sterling also wore number 7 during his time at Manchester City but will have to accept a different number during his Arsenal loan spell.
Sterling was facing a season out in the cold after Enzo Maresca made it known that the England international wasn't going to be part of his plans. The Gunners came in late in the day to add to their attacking depth as Mikel Arteta reunites with the player he worked with at City.
Arsenal announced Sterling's signing late on deadline day and in the press release it included a link which offered fans the chance to "Get your Sterling No 10 shirt now from Arsenal Direct" - but the link has stopped working.
It suggests though that the new man at the Emirates might be about to don the number 10 shirt - which has been left vacant since the departure of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham this summer. Some iconic players, the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie, have worn the number.
Sterling said after his switch was completed: "It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting. I’m buzzing. It’s one where we kind of left it late but it’s one I was hoping for. Looking at everything, I’m just, like, ‘This is a perfect fit for me’, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.
"I spoke with Edu and I said that it’s something you can see from the outside, you can see the real togetherness from Mikel’s time here and you see the journey that the boys are on, and you can see the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of."
BREAKING: Arsenal seal last-gasp Raheem Sterling transfer after Mikel Arteta makes U-turn
Sterling is not expected to be a guaranteed starter in north London but his versatility across the forward line will aid Arteta and give him more options. Arsenal are looking to take that final step after several competitive campaigns where they've challenged for silverware, but fallen just short.
Club chief Edu admits that they didn't plan to make a move for Sterling but remained open to bringing players in. "It makes a lot of sense to have someone like him because I’m pretty sure he is going to add a lot to the squad," he said. "He has experience, he understands more than anyone the league, he’s played in the Champions League many times."
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