The Brazilian midfielder has worn the same shirt number for most of his career, and it is currently available at Arsenal.
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, and one of the first questions supporters will ask before the transfer is confirmed is which shirt number the Brazilian midfielder will wear?
For once, that seems a pretty easy question to answer.
Throughout his senior career, Guimaraes has shown a clear preference for one number above all others – 39.
Although he has also worn the numbers 16, 7 and 6, it is 39 that has defined his career.
He has worn it 12 times out of the 16 shirt numbers he’s had, first adopting it at Athletico Paranaense during the 2016/17 campaign and continuing to favour it whenever possible.
When he arrived at Lyon, he initially took the 39 before switching to the 6 and then the 7 the following season, after starting it with 39. The following year, he went back to 39.
Twice, however, he has changed mid-season from 39 to 16, both times at Athletico Paranaense.
That could work perfectly for Arsenal.
The number 39 shirt is currently available at the club, having last been worn by Harrison Dudziak last season.
Before that, it was worn by Hector Bellerin in 14/15. Others to have worn that number are Zak Ansah, Francis Coquelin, Rui Fonte, Mark Howard (GK), and Sebastian Larsson.
The 16 is also about to become available with Christian Norgaard‘s impending move to Everton.
Given Guimaraes’ long-standing attachment to 39, and with the shirt vacant at the Emirates, it would be a surprise if he opted for an alternative, even though the 16 will be available.
At Newcastle, he also wore 39, despite 16 only being in use during his first season there in 21/22.
He had ample time to change, and didn’t.
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