Toney Time at the Emirates? Arsenal Striker's Shirt Number Conundrum

With the January transfer window looming large, the rumor mill surrounding Ivan Toney's potential move to Arsenal is in overdrive. While the deal itself is yet to be confirmed, one burning question already occupies the minds of many Gunners fans: what number will the prolific striker wear?

Toney, sporting the number 17 at his current club Brentford, has a clear preference. However, at Arsenal, that coveted jersey currently belongs to Cedric Soares, whose own future at the Emirates remains shrouded in uncertainty. This presents a bit of a conundrum for both player and club.

Should Soares depart, the path to Toney's preferred number would be clear. But if the Portuguese right-back stays put, Toney will have to explore other options. Fortunately, with a plethora of numbers available (3, 13, 16, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36-40), the England international shouldn't be short on choices.

Of course, the number on his back is just a small detail in the grand scheme of things. What truly matters is whether Toney can replicate his impressive Brentford form in the Arsenal shirt. His 20-goal haul last season, coupled with his all-around skillset, has made him a hot commodity, and Gunners fans are understandably excited about the prospect of him bolstering their attack.

Ultimately, whether Toney dons the number 17, 9, or something else entirely, the most important thing is that he delivers on the pitch. If he can do that, he'll earn the adoration of the Arsenal faithful regardless of the number on his back. So, buckle up, Gooners, because Toney Time at the Emirates could be just around the corner!