Arsenal outcast reacts as Gunners hand Martinelli his shirt number in kit launch

Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira has reacted after the Gunners gave his shirt number to Gabriel Martinelli for next season as they launched their new kit.

The kit, made by Adidas, will be worn for the first time on the final day of the season when Mikel Arteta's men host Everton. For the visit of Frank Lampard's Toffees, Martinelli will be wearing number 35 on the back of his shirt.

But from the start of next season, the Brazilian has been handed Arsenal's iconic number 11 shirt. It is a number that has previously been occupied by Robin van Persie, Mesut Ozil and Ian Wright and Paul Merson.

The last permanent holder of the jersey, rather than a loan signing, was Torreira, who immediately took ownership of it when he joined from Sampdoria in 2018. While his debut campaign was a success, Torreira's Arsenal career went downhill afterwards.

He spent last year on loan at Atletico Madrid and has spent the current campaign with Fiorentina. The Serie A club have the option to make that deal permanent in the summer and it looks increasingly likely that they will exercise that clause.

In light of that, Arsenal have now moved to hand his number to Martinelli, announcing the decision on their social media channels. The Gunners posted a picture of Martinelli wearing the new shirt with his back to the camera and his arms up with his thumbs pointing to his back.

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Torreira delivered a cheeky response to the news that his shirt had been taken, with a hunt that he will be leaving. Along with three laughing emojis and a love heart, he replied to Arsenal's Instagram post with the comment: "What number will I wear next year? good luck amigo @gabriel.martinelli. I love you."

Arsenal describe their new shirt as featuring a "a striking new collar with a lightning bolt design" with many fans delighted with the strip. They are set for a disappointing end to the season, with defeats to Tottenham and Newcastle all but consigning them to Europa League football next term.

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