Fabio Vieira is in for a nasty surprise when he arrives at Arsenal - as he will find his preferred squad number already occupied in the Emirates Stadium dressing room.
The midfielder, 22, will join the Gunners in a transfer worth £38million this summer after Mikel Arteta's side struck a deal with Porto. Vieira had a brilliant 2021/22 season, scoring six goals and chipping in with 16 assists across all competitions as the Portuguese giants won the league-cup double.
This convinced Arsenal to make him their marquee arrival of the summer window so far, following Brazilian youngster Marquinhos through the door. The North London club are yet to confirm what numbers their two new signings will wear, but Vieira was likely hoping to claim the No. 50 shirt.
He has worn this number throughout his club career, first for Porto B and then for the senior side after his first-team debut in the June 2020. However, the No. 50 strip is already taken at Arsenal by a little-known goalkeeper in the form of James Hillson.
The 21-year-old joined the Gunners from Reading in 2019 and has spent the last three years developing in the academy and plying his trade with the Under-18s and Under-23s. While he has not made a senior appearance for Arsenal, he has been named in the senior match day squad, meaning he requires a number.
This could spell bad news for Vieira, leaving him without the chance to inherit his favoured shirt. The exciting prospect frequently dons No. 23 for Portugal Under-21 but - just like with the No. 50 jersey - this is occupied at Arsenal, by Albert Sambi Lokonga.
What number should Fabio Vieira take at Arsenal if he cannot claim the No. 50 shirt? Have your say in the comments!
There are, however, plenty of other options available for Vieira, but the iconic No.14 looks likely to be off the peg, with Eddie Nketiah set to be given the shirt worn by Thierry Henry and most recently, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Alternatively, No. 12 is on the table, as is the No. 9 strip, previously occupied by departing striker Alexandre Lacazette, although this is usually reserved for a centre-forward.
It remains to be seen when Arsenal will make a decision over the numbers their new signings will wear. They may be waiting to complete their summer incomings and outgoings before handing out the shirts ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The Gunners will open the season with a trip to Crystal Palace on the night of Friday 5 August. In the meantime, they take on Nurnberg, Everton, Orlando City, Chelsea and Sevilla in pre-season friendlies.
