Martin Zubimendi’s move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal this summer is all-but completed with Fabrizio Romano reporting that all relevant paperwork has been signed – but what number will the Spanish midfielder wear in north London upon arriving?
Despite conflicting reports suggesting that Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid were also trying to hash out a deal for the engine room enforcer, Zubimendi – who is a 19-cap Spain international – will be the Premier League club’s first official signing of the window.
Now, with all the formalities for Zubimendi in place, it’s only a matter of time until Declan Rice’s midfield partner is unveiled to the Emirates Stadium faithful and the number that he will don has already been anticipated for when the move becomes official.
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Martin Zubimendi’s Expected Shirt Number at Arsenal
Spanish midfielder is getting hands on a familiar digit
Zubimendi, who began his rise through Sociedad’s academy ranks in 2016, has been on Arsenal’s radar since the January transfer market and now, the capital club have acted the fastest. Arsenal will pay above his release clause in order to spread the payments across instalments to ease PSR concerns.
Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, he’s worn the No.4 shirt at the Real Arena – but that is occupied by defender Ben White in London. He’s also worn No.3, which is available following Kieran Tierney’s departure, but he will not follow in the Scot’s footsteps.
Instead, according to Arsenal insider Charles Watts, Zubimendi will likely take on the No.36 shirt number – a number which, on the surface, may seem significant, but it holds a special place in the heart of Arsenal’s inaugural summer addition. But why?
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Well, while the defensive midfielder broke into first team proceedings in Spain, 36 was the first number that he wore on the back of his shirt. As mentioned, as he grew in influence, he changed his numbers to 3 and 4 – for two seasons each.
The aforementioned Watts, who reported on his YouTube channel (which you can watch below), stressed that he hasn’t been able to confirm the rumour – but, citing his sources whom he wholeheartedly trusts, he’d put his confidence in the high-nineties.
It will be a rare sight given that, throughout Arsenal’s long and storied history, there have been a handful of players – just 10! – that have taken the No.36 shirt on. That includes a range of players: Ismael Bennacer, Emiliano Martinez and Thomas Cruise are just a few.
The first player to ever wear the number for the Gunners was Jehad Muntasser in the 1997/98 campaign. Other No.36 wearers include Mark Randall (07/08), Johan Djourou (05/06), John Halls (01/02), Jermaine Pennant (00/01) and Brian McGovern (99/00).