Arsenal new boys Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber set to get dream shirt numbers

Arsenal can welcome new signings Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber in the best possible style by handing the duo their dream squad numbers. Rice and Timber are both widely expected to join the Gunners over the coming days as Mikel Arteta plots another Premier League title bid. 

Reports claim that Arsenal have finally agreed the structure of their £105million bid for Rice with West Ham. The Hammers were expected to accept the offer but were initially unhappy with the structure of the payments. 

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE with Declan Rice set for Arsenal medical before Xhaka exit [UPDATES]

Rice, whose imminent move was first reported by The Athletic, has worn No 41 during his entire senior career. Arsenal youngster Mauro Bandeira wore that number last season but eagle-eyed fans have already spotted the 19-year-old sporting the No 40 on his training gear during pre-season.

Speaking to Gary Neville on the Overlap, the midfielder said: "It was just the number I was given in the academy by the kitman, when you are in the under-23s there are the first team squad numbers and then it gets to the higher numbers and I was given 41 when I went to Seattle on my first trip with the first-team. I was just given 41 and it has stayed with me since.