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Getting Shirty

Arsenal admit huge Granit Xhaka error that’s sure to enrage fans… the midfielder has already changed his squad number

Switzerland star will now be the Gunners' No.29 despite being handed No.16 shirt when he first signed in £30million deal

ARSENAL have made an admission about new signing Granit Xhaka that’s sure to enrage a number of fans.

The Switzerland international has only just joined the Gunners in a £30million deal from Borussia Monchengladbach, but there already appears to be a problem – his shirt number.

Granit Xhaka has already changed his shirt number less than week after joining Arsenal
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Granit Xhaka has already changed his shirt number less than week after joining ArsenalCredit: Getty Images
Xhaka was originally handed the No.16 shirt when he joined the Gunners
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Xhaka was originally handed the No.16 shirt when he joined the GunnersCredit: Twitter/Arsenal

Xhaka was introduced to supporters as the club’s new No.16, but Arsenal have today revealed that he will instead be wearing the No.29 shirt.

The change in numbers will not please loyal Gunners who have already purchased a Xhaka shirt with No.16 on the back.

A replica Arsenal top already costs £55, while the addition of a player’s name and number brings the price to £71.

And fans quickly took to Twitter to blast the north Londoners for their massive gaffe, with one writing: “But I’ve already bought a Xhaka 16 shirt???”

The £30million signing will now wear the No.29 shirt at the Emirates
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The £30million signing will now wear the No.29 shirt at the EmiratesCredit: Twitter/Arsenal
Arsenal fans will be hoping that Xhaka can make an immediate impact
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Arsenal fans will be hoping that Xhaka can make an immediate impactCredit: Getty

Another said: “you’re joking… I’ve already ordered the number 16 shirt”.

But Arsenal were quick to confirm that tops ordered through the club’s Direct Shop website will be reprinted with the right number, although fans who bought theirs from somewhere else might be out of luck.

Supporters are already speculating as to why Xhaka changed his number less than a week after signing, with some suggesting that another new arrival is on the way.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been linked with a big-money move to Arsenal
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been linked with a big-money move to ArsenalCredit: Getty
Monchengladbach are now looking to sign Chelsea's Andreas Christensen
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Monchengladbach are now looking to sign Chelsea's Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty

Borussia Dortmund ace Henrikh Mkhitaryan is believed to be a target for Arsene Wenger after rejecting a fresh contract from the German giants.

Teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly keen on a Premier League switch, with Premier League champ and Leicester star N’Golo Kante also linked.

Gunners fans will also be pleased to know that Xhaka’s transfer could see fierce rivals Chelsea lose one of their brightest prospects, with Monchengladbach looking to spend £15m on talented defender Andreas Christensen.

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