Arsenal Hint At Bruno Guimaraes’ Shirt Number As Youngster Vacates No. 39

Arsenal appear to have dropped a major hint about Bruno Guimaraes’ shirt number ahead of the Brazilian midfielder’s expected move to the club.

Guimaraes is expected to be officially unveiled as an Arsenal player imminently, with the club’s website already providing a possible clue about the number he will wear at the Emirates Stadium.

The Brazil international is strongly associated with the No. 39 shirt, which he wore at Newcastle United, Lyon and Athletico Paranaense.

According to reports, Arsenal youngster Louie Copley was previously listed as wearing No. 39 but has now been switched to No. 38 on the club’s official website.

The change has fuelled speculation that the No. 39 shirt has been reserved for Guimaraes ahead of the completion of his move.

Guimaraes’ preference for the number is particularly significant as it is a tribute to his late father, who worked as a taxi driver and had 039 as his cab number.

The midfielder has consistently chosen No. 39 throughout his professional career, making Copley’s change to No. 38 an intriguing development.

High squad numbers are traditionally less common among established first-team players, with midfielders often favouring numbers such as seven, eight or 10.

However, Arsenal already have several prominent midfielders wearing unconventional numbers, with Declan Rice wearing 41, Martin Zubimendi 36 and Myles Lewis-Skelly 49.

If Guimaraes completes his anticipated move to Arsenal, the apparent availability of No. 39 would allow him to continue with the number that has become closely identified with his career.