Make that four new signings for Unai Emery.
While all eyes are on the World Cup, Arsenal have wasted no time in bringing in fresh blood for Emery’s first season in charge of the Gunners.
On Tuesday afternoon, it was confirmed that Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira had put pen to paper on a move from Sampdoria.
“In Lucas Torreira, we have signed a young player who is a very bright talent in the game,” Emery said. “A midfielder with great quality, I have enjoyed watching his performances for Sampdoria in the past two seasons, and we all saw him do very well for Uruguay in the World Cup. He is a young player already with good experience, but who wants to keep on growing. We welcome Lucas to Arsenal and look forward to him joining us soon for preseason.”
Arsenal supporters couldn’t just enjoy the unveiling, however, as they had to find a negative in the fact that Torreira had been given the No 11 jersey at the Emirates.
Given that the No 3 shirt remains vacant, many expected Torreira to take that squad number but he will instead sport the jersey which was worn by Mesut Ozil in recent seasons.
Ozil has decided to switch to the No 10 shirt which was freed up when Jack Wilshere left Arsenal to move to West Ham.
We’ve seen some incongruous shirt numbers assigned over the years; with Clint Dempsey wearing the No 2 at Spurs, Wilfried Bony wearing the No 2 at Swansea City and William Gallas wearing the No 10 at Arsenal.
It doesn’t really matter what’s written on the back of a player’s jersey but the sight of a defensive midfielder like Torreira receiving the No 11, which is typically reserved for wingers, has not gone down well with some fans.
Arsenal's kit numbers are a state.
Cech 1 – being replaced
Elneny 4 – wtf
Torreira 11 – should be 4 and keep 11 for a winger
Leno 19 – not a keeper number. should be 1
Willock 69 – has anyone told him yet?— Josh Benson (@joshbenson1310) July 10, 2018
The player numbers already a shambles under Mr. Unai. Imagine giving Torreira 11. We are AC Milan now.
— Stubborn Optimist (@TheFrstDellyist) July 10, 2018
Why is Torreira wearing 11, we really don't have plans for a winger this season??
— A.A.A (@MrAsimolowo) July 10, 2018
Torreira will wear #11? Are you fucking kidding me? 🙄🙄🙄🙄
— MbappeFanboi (@ArtetasDecade) July 10, 2018
I know numbers don't REEEEALLY matter, but Leno should have 1, Torreira should have 4, and should we sign a top winger, they shouldve had 11!
— Big Steve🤙 (@BigStevee) July 10, 2018
Torreira is a very food signing for Arsenal
but why the fuck is he wearing no. 11HE IS A DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER WHY IS HE WEARING A WINGER'S NUMBER???
— Tabish (@10tabish) July 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/Ibrahiiiiim8/status/1016690251128082432
Lucas Torreira #11? Fuck off. Club has gone to the dogs. Bring back Arsène!
— Rohan (@Rohirrim_94) July 10, 2018
