Many Arsenal fans are upset about the change that OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO made to his shirt number.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has changed his number for Arsenal

Zinchenko will now where the number 17

The Ukrainian no longer wears the number 35 on the back of his shirt for Arsenal. Instead, he wears the number 17 this season.

Since Cedric Soares, who used to wear No. 17, left the Emirates Stadium as a free agent this summer, Zinchenko will get that number.

The left back, who is 27 years old, said that 17 was a “very special number” to him, which is why he changed his number.

“The number 17 is very important to me,” he said.

“I wore 17 when I was a young player, and I’ve always asked to play for my country with that number.”

“Since 17 was free after Cedric left, I asked if I could switch. Thanks to everyone at the club for behind me.”

Zinchenko also told Arsenal fans that anyone who already bought a kit this season with his old number on it can exchange it for one with his new numbers.

Fans are still split on the change, with many believing it to be a sign that the former Man City back will be staying put this summer, even though there have been rumours that he may be leaving the club.

One fan said, “Bro’s going nowhere” on social media.

“Why are you keeping this guy?!” asked someone else.

Another person said, “Thought we were selling him!”

But some fans wouldn’t have it. They thought Zinchenko would do great this season because he had helped the club change the way they played since he joined in 2022.

Someone wrote, “Zinny is staying, let’s go!”

Zinchenko wears the number 17 for Ukraine

He previously wore the number 35 for Arsenal

While the other yelled, “Stop being rude to our club, he plays for us.” Help the man feel better about himself and stand by him.

Another fan wrote in support of Zinchenko, “Top player.” Anyone who disagrees isn’t on the ball. “17 is going to be important this season, trust me.”

Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko were very important to Arsenal’s early comeback under Mikel Arteta.

But under Arteta, he has had trouble getting regular playing time lately. He only played in 20 league games last season.

The fact that Riccardo Calafiori was signed could also mean that Zinchenko won’t play a big part in the starting lineup for the season that’s coming up quickly.

There are only two more games for Arsenal to play before they start their league season.

Gunners fans will be able to see Granit Xhaka again on Wednesday when they play Bayer Leverkusen.

They will finish their pre-season training with a game against Lyon on Sunday afternoon.