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Hector Bellerin wants No.2 shirt at Arsenal next season after Mathieu Debuchy's departure

Number swap | Bellerin wants the No.2 shirt: Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Number swap | Bellerin wants the No.2 shirt: Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin says he wants to wear the No.2 shirt next season.

Bellerin currently wears No.24 having previously donned Nos.39 and 40 whilst breaking into the Arsenal team.

Before his departure to Saint-Etienne in January Mathieu Debuchy occupied the jersey, which has previously been worn by Abou Diaby, Lee Dixon and Michael Thomas.

“In the summer I’m going to ask for it [the No.2],” Bellerin said in an interview with Per Mertesacker and Rob Holding for Arsenal Media. “I’ve already spoken to Vic [Akers, Arsenal’s kit manager], he knows.”

​Bellerin’s comments could be interpreted as an indication that he plans to stay next season despite speculation linking the Spanish youth international with a departure this summer.

The 23-year-old has been a target for Juventus but Standard Sport reported last month that Bellerin’s current salary of in excess of £100,000-a-week could be problematic for the Italian champions.

Barcelona attempted to sign Bellerin last summer but their interest has since cooled.