Oleksandr Zinchenko changes shirt to ‘special number’ but switch causes Arsenal fans to argue among themselves

OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO has made a change to his shirt number at Arsenal, sparking debate amongst fans of the club.

The Ukrainian has ditched the number 35 for the Gunners, opting for the number 17 on the back of his shirt this season instead.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko has changed his number for Arsenal[/caption]

Instagram / arsenal

Zinchenko will now where the number 17[/caption]

Zinchenko will take up the new number after Cedric Soares, who previously donned the No17 shirt, left the Emirates Stadium as a free agent this summer.

The 27-year-old left-back has described 17 as a “very special number” to him, explaining the reason behind his switch.

He said: “The number 17 is a very special number to me.

“It was the number I wore as a young player, and I’ve always requested to wear 17 when playing for my country.

“With 17 being free since Cedric left, I asked if I could change, and thanks to everyone at the club for supporting me.”

Zinchenko has also informed fans that anyone who has already purchased this season’s Arsenal kit with his old number on will be able to exchange it for his new digits.

But supporters are still torn with the change, with many thinking it is a hint that former Man City defender will be staying put this summer – despite reports that he could be bringing his time with the club to an end.

On social media, one fan wrote: “Bro’s going nowhere”.

Rex

Zinchenko wears the number 17 for Ukraine[/caption]

He previously wore the number 35 for ArsenalGetty

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While another asked: “Why are you keeping this guy?!”

And a third commented: “Thought we were selling him!”

But other fans were having none of the disrespect and backed Zinchenko to do big things this season after helping the club transform their playing style since his arrival in 2022.

One wrote: “Zinny is staying, let’s go!”

While a second slammed: “Stop the disrespect he plays for our club. Support the man and help build his confidence.”

And another fan defended Zinchenko, writing: “Top player. Anyone who disagrees doesn’t know ball. 17 will play a big part this season, trust me.”

Zinchenko, along with Gabriel Jesus, were paramount to Arsenal’s early resurgence under Mikel Arteta.

But he has struggled for regular minutes under Arteta in recent times, making just 20 league games last term.

While the arrival of new signing Riccardo Calafiori could also suggest Zinchenko is unlikely to play a big role in the starting XI for the fast-approaching season.

Arsenal have just two pre-season friendlies remaining before they begin their league campaign proper.

The Gunners welcome former star Granit Xhaka back to the Emirates on Wednesday when they play Bayer Leverkusen.

Before completing their pre-season preparations with a clash against Lyon on Sunday afternoon.

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