UK Media: Smith Rowe Set to Depart as Ødegaard Eyes the No.10 Shirt for Arsenal

According to London Football Net, Smith Rowe is set to join Fulham in a £35 million transfer deal, which also means that Arsenal’s No.10 jersey will be awaiting a new owner.

The media outlet suggests that the most likely candidate to inherit the No.10 shirt is Ødegaard. There were reports from Spain that when Ødegaard joined Arsenal, he wanted the No.10, but at the time it was already assigned to Smith Rowe, leaving him with no choice but to select another number. Given that Ødegaard has already earned the recognition of both his teammates and fans, and has even donned the captain’s armband, taking over the No.10 jersey would seem like a natural progression.

However, considering Arsenal’s summer transfer window is not yet closed, it cannot be entirely ruled out that a new signing could take up the No.10 shirt. The most likely new addition to fill Smith Rowe’s shoes is Real Sociedad’s midfielder Merino. However, since Merino wears the No.8 at Real Sociedad, there is also a possibility that he and Ødegaard might each choose their preferred numbers.

If looking towards younger players within the squad, London Football Net believes the closest to inheriting the No.10 shirt is Nwaneri. Nwaneri donned the No.53 shirt for Arsenal this summer, although he has yet to make a starting appearance in the Premier League. It is expected that Nwaneri will experience a significant breakthrough in his career this season.