Arsenal drop huge hint over the future of first-team star linked with Emirates Stadium exit

Arsenal appear to have dropped a hint over the future of a divisive player in Mikel Arteta's squad.

The Gunners have added Riccardo Calafiori to their squad this summer after finishing second in the Premier League last season.

Calafiori brings depth to an Arsenal backline regarded as one of the best in world football.

He starred as a centre-back for Italy at Euro 2024 and can also operate as a left-back.

Jurrien Timber's return from a knee injury, which kept him sidelined for most of his debut campaign, means Arsenal will be well-stocked in defence.

It's seen supporters speculate over the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has seen his role in the team diminish since arriving from reigning champions Manchester City in 2022.

The Ukraine international started 20 games in 2023/24, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior preferred on occasion.

Despite that, Arsenal look to have confirmed his long-term future lies at the Emirates Stadium.

Zinchenko has switched his shirt number from 35 to 17, with the number free following Cedric Soares' departure.

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The 27-year-old told Arsenal's official 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 for my new number.”

Arsenal may now look to offload Kiwior, who has had interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus.

Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad further in an attempt to close the gap on City, who have won four league titles in a row.

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He told ESPN last month: “We are looking to improve in every possible department.

"There are things that we have to improve, that's for sure, and we are going to try to. But the market is tricky.

"We have been very aggressive, we are very determined and we have a clear idea obviously of what we want to do. It will come down to finding the right agreements at the right time.”