Finally, Arsenal have announced the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, representing the club’s third capture of the summer.
Merino follows David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori as becoming the third arrival at the Emirates in the 2024/25 calendar.
The Spaniard’s arrival doesn’t come as a surprise but more a relief to fans, who have eagerly awaited the midfielder’s unveiling.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Gunners announced the Euro 2024 winner’s arrival, with his squad number now announced.
Mikel Merino will wear the number 23 at Arsenal
Despite being Real Sociedad’s number eight and Spain’s number six, Merino will wear the number 23 shirt at Arsenal.
Given that the Spaniard will play a significant part in Mikel Arteta’s squad in the season ahead, his shirt number was perhaps unexpected however, it should not be frowned upon.
Plenty of Arsenal cult heroes have worn the number 23 shirt, here are five of the most memorable.
Five Arsenal icons to wear the number 23
Ray Parlour
What better way to be introduced to the number 23 than by remembering the marvellous career of Ray Parlour in North London.
The midfielder won three Premier League titles, four FA Cup’s and one League Cup during his time with the Gunners, being a true legend of the club, making 459 appearances.
Nicklas Bendtner
Perhaps less of a legend and more of a memorable figure is Nicklas Bendtner, who was never far from the spotlight in North London.
Rising from the academy, the striker made 171 senior appearances for the Gunners, scoring 47 goals in the process.
Danny Welbeck
A similar profile to Bendtner comes Danny Welbeck, who spent four years in North London after his arrival from Manchester United.
The Englishman became a hero when he scored against his former club in the FA Cup at Old Trafford, as well as netting a Champions League hattrick against Galatasaray at the Emirates.
Welbeck secured 126 appearances in red and white, scoring 32 goals before leaving as a well-loved figure in Islington.
Andrey Arshavin
One of the most memorable recent features of the number 23 is Andrey Arshavin’s four-goal masterclass against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Russian took the Premier League by storm between the 2008/09 and 2010/11 campaigns, passing the longevity test thanks to the ruckus he caused on Merseyside in the famous yellow and navy blue kit.
Arshavin’s blistering displays in North London will have the number 23 shirt forever remembered fondly around the Emirates, but not so much at Anfield.
Sol Campbell
Starting with a legend as adored as Parlour warrants ending with one of the best in Arsenal’s history, Sol Campbell.
The Englishman was a hero before he even kicked a ball at the club, having made a historic U-turn to leave Spurs to join the Gunners.
Campbell is arguably the most iconic wearer of the number 23 in Arsenal’s history, winning two Premier League titles and of course, writing his name in the club’s Folklore as an Invincible.
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