Arsenal have today submitted the numbers for next season, with a few very interesting choices in my opinion. Firstly, Manuel Almunia had been given the number 1 slot, a sign of where he stands in the Arsenal team for next season, and banishing any lingering rumours that the likes of Given, Gomes, Boruc and co. may come in and replace Lehmann this summer.
Carlos Vela has been given the number 12 as I had guessed he might, probably showing the faith Wenger has in him that a first team number would be given out to him so early in his Arsenal career. Likewise with Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal’s brand new £5m signing, who gets given Flamini’s No. 16 in an indication of where he will be looking to be in the squad next season.
The full list can be see below:
1. Manuel ALMUNIA
2. Abou DIABY
3. Bacary SAGNA
4. Francesc FABREGAS
5. Kolo TOURE
6. Philippe SENDEROS
7. Tomas ROSICKY
8.
9. EDUARDO
10. William GALLAS
11. Robin VAN PERSIE
12. Carlos VELA
13. Alexander HLEB
14.
15. DENILSON
16. Aaron RAMSEY
17. Alexandre SONG
18.
19. GILBERTO
20. Johan DJOUROU
21. Lukasz FABIANSKI
22. Gael CLICHY
23.
24. Vito MANNONE
25. Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
26. Nicklas BENDTNER
27. Emmanuel EBOUE
28.
29.
30. Armand TRAORE
31. Justin HOYTE
32. Theo WALCOTT
Judging by the way that Clichy is at 22 and Robin van Persie is number 11, both numbers that Nasri has worn for club or country, I would guess that the incoming Frecnhman (if indeed, he does eventually become an Arsenal player) will take the number 8 slot, last held by club legend Fredrik Ljungberg.
It would be very nice, if they announce Nasri.