A long-standing jersey preference
Throughout his professional career, Bruno Guimaraes has predominantly worn the number 39 jersey. It has become his clear favorite out of the 16 different numbers he has worn. He first took up the 39 during the 2016/17 season with Athletico Paranaense. He continued to use it whenever the opportunity arose. At Lyon, he began a campaign with the number 39 but later switched to 6 and 7 for the rest of that season. In the following year, he returned to 39. This showed a strong inclination toward it. While at Athletico Paranaense again, he made two mid-season switches from 39 to 16. But at Newcastle, where the 16 was available, he consistently opted to keep 39 on his back. This consistency suggests a deep attachment to the number. It also suggests it even when alternatives were open to him.
Arsenal's available numbers
With 12 of his 16 appearances in the number 39 jersey, it is only natural that Arsenal would consider it as the logical choice. It would be the logical choice for the incoming midfielder. The 39 shirt is currently vacant at Arsenal. It was last worn in the previous season by Harrison Dudziak. Other players such as Zak Ansah, Francis Coquelin, Rui Fonte, Mark Howard, and Sebastian Larsson have all worn it over the years. Meanwhile, Christian Norgaard’s pending transfer to Everton will soon free up the number 16. But Guimaraes has not shown any inclination to choose it. Given his long-term connection to the number 39, it is highly likely that the new signing will wear it. He will wear it when he makes his debut for the club. The 39 jersey is available at the Emirates.
The consistency and preference he has shown for the jersey over the years is clear. Even in places like Newcastle where 16 was in use, he showed it. This strongly indicates that this is the number he will settle on. The club's own vacancy in the 39 jersey makes it the most fitting option for the transfer. It aligns with both Guimaraes' personal history and Arsenal's available resources.