Zinchenko donned the No.35 shirt during his first two seasons at the Emirates, but he’s opted for a change in the 2024-25 season. He will now sport the No.17, which became available after Cedric Soares departed earlier this summer. Zinchenko shared the significance of this number to him.
“The number 17 holds a special place in my heart. It was the number I wore as a young player and the one I’ve always requested when representing my country,” the versatile defender mentioned on Arsenal’s website.
“With 17 available following Cedric’s departure, I asked to switch, and I’m grateful to the club for supporting me.
“I also want to mention that anyone who has bought this season’s new shirt with my name and the No.35 from the club can exchange it for my new number.”
The last time Zinchenko wore No.17 at the club level was in the 2015-16 season at Ufa before he was assigned No.35 upon joining Manchester City. Now, he will match his club number with the one he wears for Ukraine.
As Zinchenko gears up for the new season with Arsenal, he is set to participate in friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon ahead of their Premier League opener against Wolves. With Riccardo Calafiori arriving from Bologna and Jurrien Timber returning from injury, questions remain about Zinchenko’s role in his third season in North London.