With Lucas Perez predicted to sign for Arsenal very soon, it’s highly likely that the forward will be getting the number 9 shirt, still left empty by Lukas Podolski.

Lucas Perez is a master of hold-up play and playing off other forwards. He currently wears the number 7 for Deportivo but the chances are, he’ll be handed the number 9 when (if) he eventually signs for the Gunners.

The number 9 shirt has lost a little bit of its prestige at Arsenal over the years, with the likes of Park Chu-Young wearing it. However, we also have some big names who have worn it – Eduardo, Alan Smith, Francis Jeffers and José Antonio Reyes.

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There is a ‘curse’ attached to the number 9 shirt, which Olivier Giroud insists isn’t behind his decision not to wear it at Arsenal but I’m sure if Perez does eventually sign for us, this won’t matter to him.

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Of course, there’s always a chance Perez may not get the number 9 but it’s a small one.