Arsenal has officially confirmed its squad numbers for the upcoming 2026/27 Premier League season, highlighting new signings and vacant numbers following player departures.
Why it matters: The announcement of squad numbers is a key moment as Arsenal gears up for the new season. With new arrivals and departures, these numbers carry historical significance and personal stories for players.
Bruno Guimaraes will wear the number 39 jersey, a tribute to his father's taxi number in Brazil.
Christos Tzolis has opted for number 17, previously worn by Oleksandr Zinchenko and made famous by Alexis Sanchez and Emmanuel Petit.
Illan Meslier takes the number 30 shirt, last worn by Raheem Sterling during the 2024/25 season.
Vacancies left by Jakub Kiwior, Christian Norgaard, and Leandro Trossard's departures include numbers 15, 16, and 19.
Driving the news: Arsenal's confirmation follows a summer of transition, with several new faces joining the squad. The club announced the numbers on its website, emphasizing the changes as part of their preparations for the new campaign.
Guimaraes joined Arsenal from Newcastle United, marking a new chapter in his career with the number 39.
Tzolis, arriving from Club Brugge, brings a rich history to the number 17 shirt.
Meslier steps into the role of goalkeeper with the number 30, aiming to make an impact this season.
Piero Hincapie retains the number 5 shirt after his loan from Bayer Leverkusen became permanent.
Key facts:
Bruno Guimaraes: No. 39, a tribute to his father's taxi.
Christos Tzolis: No. 17, previously worn by Zinchenko.
Illan Meslier: No. 30, last worn by Raheem Sterling.
Vacant numbers include 15, 16, 18, and 19.
State of play: The squad list is still a work in progress as the summer transfer window is open until September 1. Arsenal remains active in the market, leaving the door open for potential changes before the deadline.
With over two weeks remaining in the transfer window, Arsenal could finalize additional signings or departures.
The club’s final 25-man Premier League registration will differ from the squad-number list.
Younger players like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are included without taking senior spots.
The big picture: Arsenal's new squad numbers signify the players' identities and represent the club's ambitions for the upcoming season. The changes come as the team looks to build on past successes and integrate new talent.
The departures of key players have opened opportunities for newcomers to step up.
Each player's number often carries personal significance, influencing their performance and connection to the team.
Fans eagerly anticipate how these changes will impact Arsenal's performance in the Premier League.
What they're saying: The club's official statement highlighted the significance of the squad numbers, emphasizing the blend of history and future aspirations.
“Ahead of the 2026/27 season, we have seen some new faces arrive... that has led to some rejigging of our squad numbers,” Arsenal said.
Fans and analysts alike are speculating on how the new signings will fit into Mikel Arteta's plans.
Supporters express excitement about the potential of Guimaraes and Tzolis bringing fresh energy to the squad.
By the numbers: The confirmed squad numbers for the 2026/27 season showcase a mix of established players and new signings.
Number 1: David Raya, Number 2: William Saliba, Number 3: Cristhian Mosquera.
Number 4: Ben White, Number 5: Piero Hincapie, Number 6: Gabriel Magalhaes.
Number 7: Bukayo Saka, Number 8: Martin Odegaard, Number 9: Gabriel Jesus.
Number 10: Eberechi Eze, Number 11: Gabriel Martinelli, Number 12: Jurrien Timber.
Number 13: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Number 14: Viktor Gyokeres, Number 17: Christos Tzolis.
Number 20: Noni Madueke, Number 21: Fabio Vieira, Number 22: Ethan Nwaneri.
Number 23: Mikel Merino, Number 24: Reiss Nelson, Number 29: Kai Havertz.
Number 30: Illan Meslier, Number 33: Riccardo Calafiori, Number 35: Tommy Setford.
Number 36: Martin Zubimendi, Number 39: Bruno Guimaraes, Number 41: Declan Rice.
Number 49: Myles Lewis-Skelly, Number 56: Max Dowman.
What's next: As the August 31 transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal could see more shifts in their squad. Fans are eager to see how the team will shape up for the start of the new season.
Arsenal’s final squad list will be submitted after the transfer window closes, potentially altering the current numbers.
New signings may still arrive to fill vacant numbers left by departing players.
The first match of the season will set the stage for the new squad dynamics and player performances.