Bruno Guimaraes will wear the No39 shirt at Arsenal, the same number he has worn throughout his career.
The Newcastle captain has become the Gunners' biggest signing of the summer so far, arriving in a deal worth £75 million and on a four-year contract, with the option of a further year.
Why No39?
It was not a surprise which shirt number the Brazilian asked for. Throughout his senior career at club level, Guimaraes has worn one particular number. Upon breaking into the first-team picture at Atletico Paranaense, he wore No39 and has done the same for both Lyon and Newcastle.
The No39 shirt was vacant at the Emirates Stadium, though only for a short period as the previous incumbent was Harrison Dudziak, released by the club at the end of June.
Other vacant senior shirt numbers at Arsenal were No15, No18, No19, No25, No26, No27 and No28, though none will appeal to Guimaraes given his special connection to the No39.
'It's magical'
In his article for The Players' Tribune, written in February 2023, the Brazilian said: "The number tells a story more beautiful than words can say. 39.
"I know people think it’s a weird number for a footballer. But for me 39 is special — no, it’s more than that. It's magical.
"The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream.
"#039 was the dispatch number of my father’s taxi in Rio de Janeiro."
