Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to get a new squad number ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
The former Atletico Madrid star joined the Gunners from the Spanish champions at the beginning of last season.
He had hoped to get his favourite jersey number 5 on signing for the North Londoners, but it was not the case since it had already been taken by Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who since left for Olympiacos.
According to Metro, the midfielder will now get his favourite number from the current 18.
The 28-year-old wears the same number for the Ghana national team and it was also his favourite while with Atletico Madrid.
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He is expected to be a key figure for the Gunners in the new season as Mikel Arteta plans to challenge for top positions.
The Spanish tactician handed the big-money signing 33 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign.
Partey is still waiting on a first goal for the Gunners but does have three assists to his name.
He will be hoping to take his game to greater heights next campaign, with only 18 Premier League starts so far.
Steering clear of untimely injuries will be key to those plans, with Arsenal needing stability and continuity if they are to break the shackles that continue to hold them back.
Asked about his first season at Arsenal and hopes for the immediate future, Partey told TV3 in an earlier interview: "Well I think everybody has seen it, there’s been ups and downs.
"We’ve had good times and bad times, but this is my first season and I think I had to adapt to how they play, get used to my teammates.
"I think now I’m getting used to them and I know with hard work everything will be okay for the next season.
"Of course, it’s not easy. The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and if you want to be there you have to be able to do everything well. So I like this challenge and I’m ready to do everything."
