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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Gabriel Jesus set for perfect Arsenal shirt number as Mikel Arteta’s transfer plan takes shape

Arsenal are set to make Gabriel Jesus their new attacking star after agreeing a £45million fee with Manchester City.

The Brazilian will now discuss personal terms with the club, which is not expected to be a problem given Jesus is reportedly already sold on working for Mikel Arteta, a former City coach.

Arsenal have been planning a new forward line for some time, having shipped out both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in recent weeks and months.

Eddie Nketiah has been handed a bumper new contract after being convinced to stay, and was handed the club's iconic no14 shirt number in the process. Thierry Henry made the number his own during many trophy-laden seasons but the young striker has his own reasons to wear the shirt.

So, what about Jesus? Which shirt number will he pick?

The answer is obvious, and one which the Gunners have purposely made available.

Jesus wore the no33 shirt at Palmeiras and again when he first arrived at City before switching to the no9 three seasons ago. Well, young Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has that number, but that's no problem.

Lacazette's departure frees up the no9 shirt for Jesus to immediately take over, and the Brazilian is expected to do just that.

Arsenal are embarking on a serious summer squad overhaul, and Jesus being made their new no9 is just one piece of a planned-out puzzle.

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