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Gabriel to wear number 5

In a move that will surprise almost no one, Arsenal's newest defender gets a defender's number

The last time the #5 jersey was in action.
The last time the #5 jersey was in action.
Clive Mason/Getty Images

As all of us at TSF expected, new Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista was granted the most defendery number still available. Arsenal, as is now the custom with its new jersey unveilings, announced the official numbering via its Instagram account earlier today.

#Arsenal's new signing #Gabriel will wear number 5 for the Gunners #AFC #defender #transfer #WelcomeGabriel #COYG

A photo posted by Arsenal Official (@arsenal) on

The #5 jersey was last worn, of course, by former captain Thomas Vermaelen, who is recovering from a hamstring injury after half a season of sitting in a comfy sideline chair (and occasionally playing in the reserve squad) for Barcelona.

The Instagram account also included this picture of the new defender, who looks positively thrilled to be part of his new soccer family!

Here he is - #Arsenal have signed Brazilian defender Gabriel! #AFC #COYG #Gabriel #Gunners #WelcomeGabriel

A photo posted by Arsenal Official (@arsenal) on

The signing is, of course, the second piece of ingoing business that Arsenal has done this transfer window, also bringing in youth player Krystian Bielik. The January transfer window closes on Monday at 11:30 pm BT (6:30 pm ET).