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What shirt numbers are available to new Arsenal signings after Ollie Watkins update

Arsenal shirt with a message for injured forward Gabriel Jesus
-Credit:Arsenal FC via Getty Images


With just three days left before the January transfer window comes to a close Arsenal are still being linked to several high-profile players, but if these deals were to make it over the line what shirt numbers would be left for them?

The Gunners are searching for a new centre forward after Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the long term with a serious ACL injury. Their lack of a number nine has led to widespread rumours with very close links to Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel and Evan Ferguson from Brighton.

Unai Emery revealed the former of the trio is expected to stay at Villa Park beyond the current transfer window. With Jesus already taking the classic number nine and Watkin's current number 11 already belonging to Gabriel Martinelli he may be left in a pickle should a move to the Emirates come to fruition in the future.

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Watkins revealed he was a big fan of Thierry Henry when he was younger so may choose to follow in his idol's footsteps and take on the club's iconic number 14 which has been empty since Eddie Nketiah made the move to Crystal Palace.

Although Arsenal's signings are likely to be an out-and-out striker, the legendary number 10 is also currently free after the departure of Emile Smith-Rowe to Fulham. Although usually reserved for an attacking midfielder the iconic number was held by Robin Van Persie before his controversial move to Manchester United.

Van Persie's Manchester United Number, number 20, may also be an obvious pick for a forward although that number is also currently claimed by Jorginho and Nuno Tavares who is out on loan at Lazio with his number to change when he returns.

The numbers could also be taken by other Villa forwards, Jhon Duran, has also emerged as a potential target for Arsenal, as the West Midlands club reportedly considering selling him, although it seems an Al Nassr deal may be closer.

If Evan Ferguson is to be the one drafted in, he could maintain his current Brighton number 28 which has been free since Joe Willock made the move to Newcastle.

Arsenal squad numbers available to new signings: 1, 10, 13, 14, 16, 25, 26, 28, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40.

Shirt numbers available until the end of the season with players out on loan: 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 31.