Arsenal fans spot Smith Rowe’s taken Ozil’s No10 shirt in summer transfer hint

Arsenal have seemingly given out their famed number 10 shirt to a new player, and it effectively puts an end to a long-standing transfer rumour as well.

The shirt has been vacant since its former holder, Mesut Ozil, departed for Fenerbahce in January and in pre-season, it has apparently got a new home.

Ozil picked up the shirt from previous holder Jack Wilshere, who left the club in 2018 and joined fellow London side West Ham United.

Arsenal are yet to confirm their official squad numbers for the new season, but in pre-season training, Emile Smith-Rowe, who wore 34 last season, was spotted donning the number on a tracksuit bottom.

In recent weeks, Smith-Rowe has been of interest to Aston Villa, who have lodged several bids in the hopes of securing the midfielder, but all offers have been rebuffed.

There were two bids for the player from Villa, one of £25million before the second one that was an £30million, both of which were rejected by the Gunners.

Do you think Arsenal have made the right call giving Smith-Rowe the number 10? Let us know in the comments below.

Manager Mikel Arteta was adamant that Smith-Rowe would stay at the Emirates Stadium in the upcoming season, telling the press: "Without a question he will stay here, 100 per cent."

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for Arsenal last season, making 33 appearances all season, including 20 in the Premier League.

Arsenal are still in the market for a creative midfielder to join their ranks, with names such as Leicester City’s James Maddison and Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard linked.

Odegaard spent last season on loan and while Arsenal were keen on having him back, they were told to make the move permanent, which is difficult for the club at the moment.

This summer, they have already completed one signing in the form of Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica for a fee of £7m.

It is reported that they want to bring in a few more players including a centre-half, two midfielders and possibly a forward.

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