Arsenal are due to announce the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, and already appear to have made a squad number change in preparation for the move
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates during a Brazil match at the World Cup
Bruno Guimaraes is due to become an Arsenal player this summer(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have changed Louie Copley's squad number from 39 to 38 on their website before announcing the signing of Bruno Guimaraes.
Copley, 19, has worn 39 on the back of his shirt in both of the Gunners' pre-season matches, as well as during training sessions this summer. Thirty-nine, though, is the number that Guimaraes has worn throughout his career.
The Brazil international has already agreed to join Arsenal this summer, who have negotiated a £75million deal with Newcastle United. It now appears that the club are preparing for their latest arrival by freeing up the 39 for him to wear.
Guimaraes explained the personal significance of the number to The Players Tribune three and a half years ago. He said in 2022: "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 here 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."
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