William Saliba could change his squad number at Arsenal before the summer transfer window closes, and he will have Cristiano Ronaldo to thank if it does happen.
Last Friday night saw the 2022/23 Premier League season commence. The Gunners' 2-0 win over Crystal Palace was significant for many reasons concerning the Frenchman as he was handed his competitive debut - three years after joining the club - and delivered a man-of-the-match performance.
In addition, Saliba had the number 12 on the back of his Arsenal shirt, and as per Premier League rules, he won't be able to change it until the next season: 'While he remains with the Club, a Player will retain his shirt number throughout the Season for which it was allocated,' a statement reads.
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However, there is an exception to this rule. Upon Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United last summer, Premier League officials sanctioned a special dispensation to allow Edinson Cavani to vacate the number 7 shirt so the Portuguese superstar could continue wearing the iconic number.
This deal was struck after the Red Devils had played their opening three games of the 2021/22 campaign and after the Uruguayan had made a substitute appearance against Wolves around 48 hours before Ronaldo had officially completed his return to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day.
As a result, this is a route Saliba could go down if he wishes to change his squad number in the coming weeks after seemingly hinting last month upon his return to London Colney for pre-season training last month that he would like to wear his dream no. 2 shirt this season.
Of course, it's largely dependent on what happens with Hector Bellerin. The defender is the current incumbent of the no.2 shirt at Arsenal, but speculation regarding a return to Real Betis continues to heat up with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing the latest on the Spaniard's future.
"Hector Bellerin's agent is in London today as he met with Arsenal board, been told meeting took place in the morning," he wrote on Twitter. "Discussions ongoing to terminate the contract #AFC. Bellerin [has] asked to return to Real Betis as soon as possible, it's his priority."
So if Bellerin's contract is terminated - something that Arsenal technical director Edu has already admitted is a possibility - the number two shirt will immediately become vacant, and Saliba will have the chance to inherit it but only on the condition that the Gunners are granted special dispensation if there's a request for a squad number change.
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