Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal shirt number request can eventually be gifted if £50m transfer is sealed
Martin Odegaard has experienced two different jersey numbers during his time at Arsenal.
When he arrived on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 season, he wore number 11. Subsequently, he switched to number 8 after securing a permanent transfer in the following summer.
However, there might be a third significant change on the horizon for the Gunners’ captain.
Recent transfer rumors regarding Emile Smith Rowe suggest that the iconic Arsenal number 10 shirt could become available by the 2024/25 season.
Previously worn by football legends such as Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshere, and, somewhat surprisingly, William Gallas, there was a belief that Odegaard would inherit the number 10 shirt from Mesut Ozil, as he joined the club just three days after the German’s departure from the Emirates Stadium.
Interestingly, reports from Spain at the time indicated that Odegaard initially wanted to wear the No.10, which made sense to many fans since he was signed to fill Ozil’s role as the squad’s primary playmaker.
However, it was explained to Odegaard that the Arsenal No.10 shirt had already been reserved for Smith Rowe, and this was confirmed when the Hale End academy graduate switched from number 32 after signing a new contract in the summer of 2021.
Consequently, Odegaard opted for number 8 upon his return to North London in the same summer. Manager Mikel Arteta had advised him to “be careful with that number,” and it’s safe to say that the midfielder has lived up to those expectations, as he now wears the captain’s armband as a reward for his consistent performances.
If Martin Odegaard desires to wear the same jersey number for both his club and national team, the opportunity may arise in 2024.
Currently, at Arsenal, the No.10 shirt is held by Smith Rowe. However, as mentioned earlier, Smith Rowe is being linked with a potential exit due to limited first-team opportunities.
Letting Smith Rowe, a well-liked member of the Gunners’ fanbase and a product of their academy, leave would not be well-received.
Nevertheless, with links to Newcastle United and a reported valuation of £50 million, there are valid reasons, as discussed by football.london, for considering the sale of the 23-year-old.
While it might be an unpopular decision if it does happen, Smith Rowe’s departure and the subsequent vacancy of the Arsenal number 10 shirt could pave the way for Odegaard to make the switch.
After all, there’s likely no player in the current squad better equipped to continue the legacy of Arsenal legends like Bergkamp, Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshere, and Ozil.
Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal shirt number request can eventually be gifted if £50m transfer is sealed