Arsenal have just announced the signing of Manchester City man Oleksandr Zinchenko, and with that, have confirmed his shirt number.
The Ukrainian will be donning the no.35 next season for the Gunners, a number previously worn by the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Lucas Torreira.
In seizing ownership of the 35, Arsenal’s diminutive Uruguayan is left numberless as things stand, suggesting his future may well rest elsewhere.
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Torreira was not in the squad that ran out 3-1 victors against Orlando City, having travelled to Italy for reasons unbeknownst to the public.
With Serie A suitors said to be chomping at the bit to sign the 26-year-old, the relocation of ownership of the no.35 could be seen as Torreira being shown the exit door.
As for Zinchenko, the mood surrounding his arrival is one of excitement, but the Ukrainian is clear, he is here to win, a mood echoed in an interview given to Arsenal’s media team:
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"I’m not here just to waste my time & the time of Arsenal because the club is always in front of everyone.
"I am here to achieve big things & I hope we can win some titles & I hope we are going to fight for every title in which we are going to be involved."
Arteta has been desperately searching for serial winners and natural leadership to add to his young Gunners side, and this window he has bought that in abundance.
Both Zinchenko and Jesus have won the league multiple times with City, and even relative youngster Fabio Vieira picked up the habit of winning whilst providing ammunition to Porto’s attack.
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The Ukrainian is with the squad and training, but time will tell whether the 25-year-old makes his debut against Chelsea this weekend.
Topics: Oleksandr Zinchenko
Jake Lennard