Having been offered a three-year deal by Turkish side Fenerbahce, Mesut Ozil shared images on social media arriving at an airport on a private jet with the club’s flags inside.
The German is leaving behind his No.10 shirt in north London.
And according to The Athletic, three players have already set their sights on the number.
Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who wears No.14, and No.9 forward Alexandre Lacazette shared some banter about Ozil’s number on Instagram on Sunday.
The report also states that Emile Smith Rowe – currently wearing No.32 – could make a claim.
While the trio could fight it out for the No.10 shirt, they will have to wait before being allowed to pull the jersey on their backs.
Mikel Arteta’s side would need to make an application to the Premier League board for a special dispensation over changing the shirt number.
But it is now known to have happened before while “commercial complications” would be an obstacle.
Shirt changes have only been allowed in the summer on the condition that clubs let supporters who have purchased a shirt with the previous number change it.
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With the Gunners looking to “avoid” that expense, the report states the No.10 shirt would open the way to a January signing.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
