UPDATE: Pedro’s Chelsea squad number confirmed
Chelsea are poised to sign Barcelona and Spain winger Pedro this week, after hijacking Manchester United’s move for the 28-year-old.
Pedro was Barca’s no.7 and he had been promised United’s no.9 jersey, but what will he wear once he becomes a Chelsea player?
His first choice, no.7, is occupied by Brazil midfielder Ramires, while no.9 belongs to Radamel Falcao this season.
PEDRO LATEST:
DONE DEAL: Chelsea sign Pedro – Spanish speedster becomes 7th summer arrival at Stamford Bridge
Pedro contract details REVEALED as Chelsea hand new signing lucrative deal
Chelsea new boy Pedro REVEALS why he snubbed Man United for Blues move
The only 1-11 numbers available are no.3, which was recently vacated by Filipe Luis, and no.6.
No.6 sort of belongs to Nathan Ake, but it is free this season as the 20-year-old has been sent out on loan to Watford.
It is very unlikely that Pedro will opt to take no.3 – a number traditionally reserved for a left-back, while no.6 – famously worn by Marcel Desailly – doesn’t really suit him either.
Had new signing Baba Rahman not taken no.17 earlier this week, Pedro probably would have been given it.
Seventeen was worn by Eden Hazard between 2012 and 2014. It has also belonged to Mohamed Salah, Jose Bosingwa, Scott Sinclair, Emmanuel Petit, Albert Ferrer, Danny Granville, Scott Minto and Nigel Spackman during the Premier League era.
SEE ALSO:
Mesut Ozil transfer news: Arsene Wenger has his say on shocking reports
Jack Wilshere injury – Arsenal star’s fitness update is bad news for Chelsea & Man United
Man United v Newcastle preview – De Gea still out, transfer fail keeps Rooney in, red card likely
With no.3 and no.6 unsuitable, and no.17 snapped up, the remaining possibilities are no.15, no.16, no.23 and no.25.
Unless, he chooses no.23, Pedro will take on a shirt number formerly worn by a club legend.
No.15 belonged to Didier Drogba between 2004 and 2006. No.16 was Arjen Robben’s between 2004 and 2007, having previously been Roberto Di Matteo’s for much of the 90s.
Finally, no.25, although it has not been officially retired, has not been allocated since it was vacated by Gianfranco Zola in 2003.
The only other option is for Pedro to take no.11, but that will only happen if the Blues offload Juan Cuadrado.
Although Cuadrado currently wears no.11, the jersey has a proud history, having previously belonged to Drogba and Dennis Wise.
SEE MORE:
Richest Premier League owners: £4.9bn Spurs chief worth more than Arsenal’s main man, Abramovich 2nd
Celebrity football fans: PORNSTAR Man Utd lover, ROYAL Arsenal supporter & Chelsea-mad ACTOR in top 10
All Premier League home shirts ranked 20-1: Liverpool in relegation zone, Chelsea & Arsenal in top 10
COMMENTS