Arsenal star 'given the No 41 shirt' despite Gunners being set to announce Declan Rice

Arsenal appear to have handed the No 41 shirt to young striker Mika Biereth despite Declan Rice’s impending arrival. Rice, who is set to sign in a blockbuster £105million transfer from West Ham, has worn the number for his entire career and is expected to sport the digits at the Emirates Stadium. 

The 24-year-old midfielder has previously said that he wants to wear 41 for the remainder of his career. He seemed a step closer to earning the shirt upon his arrival at Arsenal when Mauro Bandeira, who was given 41 last season, was seen training in No 40. 

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Rice could win his battle for No 41 if Biereth leaves this summer. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Dutch outfit RKC Waalwijk and another temporary spell has been mooted ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. 

"And to be honest with you I have been having these conversations with my dad, regardless of what happens in my career I may stay with 41.