Oleksandr Zinchenko reveals reason for Arsenal squad number switch as he makes the 'very special' change to match his Ukraine national team shirt

Oleksandr Zinchenko has revealed he will wear the number 17 shirt for the 2024-2025 season after switching from the number 35. 

The 27-year-old has taken the number that was previously worn by Cedric Soares - who left Arsenal at the end of last season after four years at the club. 

Zinchenko revealed how the number 17 had sentimental value before explaining how the club supported his decision to change shirts in a recent interview. 

The Ukrainian defender made it clear that fans who had already bought the 2024-2025 kit with his previous number would be allowed exchange their shirt for a new one.  

Speaking about his decision to change his shirt number ahead of the new season, Zinchenko said via the club website: 'The number 17 is a very special number to me. 

'It was the number I wore as a young player, and I've always requested to wear 17 when playing for my country. With 17 being free since Cedric left, I asked if I could change, and thanks to everyone at the club for supporting me.

'It's also very important to say that if anyone has bought this season's new shirt directly from the club with my name and 35 on it, they can get an exchange to my new number.'

Zinchenko is confident the Gunners have what it takes to overthrow Manchester City but insists Arsenal do not need to copy the Premier League giants. 

The 27-year-old defender spent five campaigns at Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles during that time. 

He sure knows what it takes to win major silverware, and believes Arsenal are on the right track after taking the title race to the final day.

'I don't think we need to copy someone like City,' he said. 'Of course at the moment they are probably the best team in the world. If you look at the stats and titles they have won in the last couple of years, it is amazing. 

'You always need to look at the best but not be like them — we need to be on top of them. Arsenal are on the right way. I really hope and believe in the close future Arsenal can achieve a lot of good things.'

It was an ACL injury to Jurrien Timber last season which opened up a hole in Arsenal's left-back spot. Eight months to contend without the man the Gunners had signed for that particular position. 

In stepped Zinchenko to mixed success. Across 38 Premier League matches, he started 20 but found himself on the bench in swathes of the campaign as Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior competed for the spot.

With Timber now back, the picture for Zinchenko is further unclear. He has the ability to decisively invert into midfield, a trait attractive to Mikel Arteta, but has vulnerabilities defensively.

Yet the Ukrainian has been left inspired by his team-mate's injury comeback. He believes that competition for places is key for the Gunners's title push — even if it means his starting spot is in increased jeopardy.

'I knew him (Timber) before he came to Arsenal,' he said. 'I played against him for the national team at the Euros. I knew him as a player. He is an unbelievable player and an unbelievable guy. He is so humble, he is working super hard.

'Unfortunately for him he just picked up an injury, but he is doing amazing now. I was watching all the process, the way he was coming back from the injury, how much he was working.

'Chapeau to him and everything he has done. He deserves a lot of credit. I wish for every single player in the club to do his best. That is the only way to achieve a lot of things.'

On where he sees his role for the new season, Zinchenko added: 'Wherever the manager is going to use me at the club, I will be happy to do my best and give my all.