BREAKING NEWS: Martin Odegaard Arsenal shirt number request can finally be granted after £35m transfer agreed

Arsenal are closing on the sale of Emile Smith Rowe, opening the door to the No.10 finding a new owner

Martin Odegaard could be about to get his dream Arsenal shirt number (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Emile Smith Rowe is closing in on his Arsenal exit after a fee of up to £35million was agreed between the Gunners and Fulham, football.london understands, inclusive of add-ons.

When you consider a player like Conor Gallagher, who stood out for Chelsea last season and captained the side, is in discussions over a move to Atletico Madrid for a similar fee it makes plenty of sense – at least it does for the Gunners.

When Smith Rowe departs, he will of course be vacating not just the club but the No.10 shirt he was given when he signed his last Arsenal contract. With that in mind, football.london takes a look at the potential candidates who might take on the famous number worn by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil.

Martin Odegaard

The current No.8, Martin Odegaard, arrived at Arsenal initially on loan and wore the No.11. However, upon his return to the club, he took the No.8 when signing permanently and has not looked back.

That said, that he had initially wanted the No.10 but that Smith Rowe had requested the number for the following season. With the England international now seemingly on the way out, it has left the number free for the taking, that is unless Odegaard wishes to keep the number he has become the Arsenal captain wearing.

Ethan Nwaneri