Lucas Perez squad number: Arsenal new boy takes tainted no.9 while Shkodran Mustafi is given far less prestigious jersey

Arsenal this afternoon announced on Twitter that their Lucas Perez squad number for the 2016-17 season will be no.9.

Time to change your Twitter handle, @LP10oficial!

Get the shirt 👉 https://t.co/u1PlTHijfY#BienvenidoLucas pic.twitter.com/OYJQcAul7w

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 1, 2016

Nine is traditionally the number worn by a team's best striker, so the Gunners presumably have a lot of faith in their new frontman.

However, Arsenal's no.9s during the Premier League era have largely failed to do the jersey justice.

The list of Arsenal no.9s in the 21st century is far from inspiring, but pre-2000 the Gunners were much luckier, with club legends like Alan Smith and Paul Merson in possession.

#AFC no.9s this century#PL goals/games
😏Podolski 19/60
😟Park 0/1
😔Eduardo 8/41
😕Baptista 3/24
😊Reyes 16/69
😲Jeffers 4/22
😐Suker 8/22
❓Perez

— Robert Summerscales (@robsummerscales) August 30, 2016

Perez is not the only new Gunners signing to get a squad number today.

Fellow recent arrival Shkodran Mustafi has been given no.20 following his move from Valencia.

New club, new number for @MustafiOfficial

Want Mustafi on your shirt? 👉 https://t.co/9IYKz5NRAM#GunnerShkodran pic.twitter.com/p0ejEoPgsP

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 1, 2016

Arsenal last seven no.20s have been Johan Djourou, Mathieu Flamini, Matthew Upson, Guillaume Warmuz, Philippe Senderos, Pal Lydersen and Chris Kiwomya.

No pressure then. No, really!