Thierry Henry could help unlock Ollie Watkins to Arsenal transfer thanks to key admission

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Ollie Watkins may not be able to pick his ideal Arsenal shirt number if he joins the club before the January transfer deadline shuts, but could follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry.

That follows an interesting transfer saga that has unfolded surrounding the striker and a possible switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal had a first bid of £60m for Watkins rejected by Aston Villa, coming as a potential blow in their chase for the forward.

The Gunners may still get a deal over the line in the final days of the transfer window though, with plenty of hope still left in the chase.

If Watkins does join Arsenal though, he may not get the ideal shirt number that he wants.

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What shirt number does Ollie Watkins wear?

During his career so far, Watkins has had four different shirt numbers at the three separate clubs he has featured for.

While the striker has featured in the number 34, 29 and 14 shirt during his time at Exeter, his moves since have seen the 29-year-old don the number 11.

It’s a choice for the past eight seasons that has become synonymous with Watkins and his rise to the top.

Gabriel Martinelli blocks Ollie Watkins number at Arsenal

While the number 11 shirt is seemingly an ideal number for Watkins, it’s one that isn’t available at Arsenal.

That’s because Gabriel Martinelli currently holds it, having done so since the 2021/22 season.

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Arsenal squad numbers available to Ollie Watkins

While the number 11 isn’t available to Watkins, there are Arsenal squad numbers that he could still pick from.

The number ten is the most notable available, having previously been worn by the likes of Mesut Ozil, Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp.

The number 14 is another open to Watkins and one he may prefer, given that it was held by Thierry Henry – someone the striker has said had a huge influence on him growing up.

Speaking in 2020, the striker told Sports Gazette: “I’m an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he’s unbelievable to watch… He was the idol growing up really.”

Beyond those, the options become a little more scattered thin across the squad, with the following available:

• 1, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 24-28, 31, 34-40, 42-48, 50-52, 54-99

It’s unclear exactly which option may stand out to Watkins, but it could be part of a tempting offer to make the move.