The Brazilian midfielder has predominantly worn the same shirt number throughout his career, and it is currently available at Arsenal.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Arsenal are in the final stages of signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, leading to the question fans will likely pose: what shirt number will the Brazilian midfielder choose?
Fortunately, this question appears to have a straightforward answer.
Throughout his career, Guimaraes has consistently preferred one number — 39.
While he has also sported the numbers 16, 7, and 6, it is 39 that has marked his journey.
Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images
He has donned the number 39 12 times out of the 16 different numbers he has worn, first adopting it at Athletico Paranaense during the 2016/17 season and consistently opting for it when possible.
Upon joining Lyon, he initially took number 39 before switching to number 6 and later number 7, only to return to his favored 39 the following season.
Interestingly, he did change numbers during a season, switching from 39 to 16 twice while at Athletico Paranaense.
Photo by Amilcar Orfali/Getty Images
This aligns perfectly for Arsenal.
The number 39 shirt is currently available at the club, last worn by Harrison Dudziak last season.
Prior to that, it was worn by Hector Bellerin during the 14/15 season. Other notable players who have worn this number include Zak Ansah, Francis Coquelin, Rui Fonte, Mark Howard (GK), and Sebastian Larsson.
The number 16 is also likely to become available soon, as Christian Norgaard‘s impending move to Everton will free up that jersey.
Given Guimaraes’ long-standing association with the number 39, and its availability at the Emirates, it would be surprising if he chose an alternate number, despite the 16 also being free.
During his time at Newcastle, he also opted for the number 39, even when the 16 was available to him in his first season (21/22).
He had ample opportunity to switch but chose not to.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
