Martin Odegaard could be about to get his dream Arsenal shirt number(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Martin Odegaard Arsenal shirt number request can finally be granted after £35m transfer agreed

Arsenal are closing on the sale of Emile Smith Rowe, opening the door to the No.10 finding a new owner

30 Jul 2024, 10:00 by Tom Canton · football.london

Emile Smith Rowe is closing in on his Arsenal exit after a fee of up to £35million was agreed between the Gunners and Fulham, football.london understands, inclusive of add-ons. Having come through the club’s academy this is certainly an emotional departure and many have been torn on the decision to allow him to leave.

That said, it is most likely the best outcome for the player and the club who are getting a very decent fee. When you consider a player like Conor Gallagher, who stood out for Chelsea last season and captained the side, is in discussions over a move to Atletico Madrid for a similar fee it makes plenty of sense – at least it does for the Gunners.

When Smith Rowe departs, he will of course be vacating not just the club but the No.10 shirt he was given when he signed his last Arsenal contract. With that in mind, football.london takes a look at the potential candidates who might take on the famous number worn by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil.

Martin Odegaard

The current No.8, Martin Odegaard, arrived at Arsenal initially on loan and wore the No.11. However, upon his return to the club, he took the No.8 when signing permanently and has not looked back.

That said, it was reported in Spain that he had initially wanted the No.10 but that Smith Rowe had requested the number for the following season. With the England international now seemingly on the way out, it has left the number free for the taking, that is unless Odegaard wishes to keep the number he has become the Arsenal captain wearing.

Ethan Nwaneri

Perhaps the star of the summer pre-season tour already, Ethan Nwaneri has grabbed fan attention after assisting Gabriel Jesus against Manchester United, flooring Casemiro and playing some fantastic passes in both games. After a promotion to No.53 already this summer, could it be that the 17-year-old is in line for another numerical boost?

This is for the moment unlikely as he is yet to have even one Premier League start to his name. It could be this is a breakout season for the teenager but that number will need to be earned. It might be therefore that the number is again held to a later date when a decision can be made on it.

A new signing

There is a chance that Arsenal might sign a new player this summer that is granted the shirt number. The most likely arrival to replace Smith Rowe remains Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.

The Spanish international plays as a box-to-box midfielder in La Liga and wears the No.8 for La Real. Could it be he therefore that takes the No.10 at Arsenal or could Odegaard, as mentioned, take the No.10 leaving the No.8 free for his former teammate?

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