Arsenal have handed Gabriel Martinelli the number 11 shirt for the upcoming season, leaving the vacant number 14 unassigned. The decision has sparked speculation that the club is keeping the iconic number free for a potential marquee signing in the summer transfer window.
Martinelli, who previously wore the number 35, has enjoyed a breakthrough season, cementing his place in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup ahead of Nicolas Pepe and Emile Smith Rowe. The Brazilian had expressed a desire to take the number 14 shirt, famously worn by Thierry Henry and most recently by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who left for Barcelona in January.
Speaking last February, Martinelli told ESPN Brazil: 'Of course, Auba is an incredible player. Not just a player, an incredible person. It's a pleasure to have him in the team. He's a guy who plays in my position. I can look at him every day and try to learn as much as possible. I certainly hope to be playing in the near future. And follow in his footsteps, he's captain of the team, wearing shirt 14, which is a symbol of the club. I hope to have a bright future ahead at Arsenal.'
With Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah also set to leave as free agents, Arsenal are in the market for a striker. Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, as Erling Haaland's arrival at City could see the Brazilian become available.
