Lukas Podolski left the Emirates last month, which has led to inevitable speculation over who – if anyone – would take over the No.9 shirt following the Germany international’s exit.
With Olivier Giroud donning the number for France, the striker may have been tempted to ask Arsene Wenger if he could fill the vacancy; however, the 28-year-old isn’t interested in doing so:
“I don’t want to change the number,” as quoted by the Express.
“I’m not superstitious. I have the nine with the national team but it was available. I don’t want to change because people have bought my shirt with the 12.”
According to the Daily Mail, academy starlet Chuba Akpom, 19, is set to be awarded a first-team role under Wenger – as cover for the France international – and could therefore be the most likely candidate for the No.9 jersey.
The number has been described as a curse for the north London giants, as not only did Podolski’s career stall in the English capital, but former No.9s Paul Merson, Nicolas Anelka and Park Chu-Yong – to name but a few – failed to live up to expectations.
Good call, Giroud.
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