There were rumours that Raheem Sterling would be given the iconic squad number following his loan move from Chelsea – before the England international was officially handed the No.30 shirt on Tuesday.
Now – however – the UEFA Champions League’s official website may have accidentally revealed who will wear the No.10 shirt at Arsenal before the Gunners could announce it themselves…
Gabriel Martinelli clue spotted
The squad chosen by Mikel Arteta for this season’s edition of the UEFA Champions League has now been posted online – squad numbers included – and there was an interesting detail next to Gabriel Martinelli‘s name.
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As the No.7 sits beside Bukayo Saka and the No.9 strip next to the name of Gabriel Jesus, the No.10 can be seen next to the Brazilian on the UEFA Champions League’s official website, which strongly suggests that the South American has inherited Smith Rowe’s shirt.
Martinelli initially wore the No.35 shirt following his £6m move from Ituano in July 2019 – before taking the No.11 strip from Martin Odegaard after the Norwegian switched to the No.8 jersey.
Significant moment for the Brazil international at Arsenal
If Martinelli really has now taken the No.10 shirt at Arsenal, it signals a huge moment for the 23-year-old.
There have been question marks surrounding the Brazilian in recent times, given how effective Leandro Trossard has been when replacing him from the bench during games.
Furthermore, Arteta was said to be desperate to have Athletic Bilbao No.10 Nico Williams at Arsenal this summer – a player who operates on the left flank like Martinelli – which suggests the Gunners ideally wanted to find an upgrade in that position.
Nevertheless, the No.10 shirt strongly hints that Arsenal view Martinelli as a leading figure, and the pressure is now on to emulate others who have adorned that number, such as Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie, Mesut Ozil and Paul Merson.
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