28 May 2023 , 10:30
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Arsenal fans will need to pay an extra £30 to include the Invincibles record taping on the sides of their new replica shirt.
The Gunners released their 2023/24 home kit ahead of their final game of this season against Wolves at the Emirates on Sunday. The new kit is a homage to the Arsenal side that went a Premier League campaign unbeaten under Arsene Wenger two decades ago.
To celebrate that famous achievement, Arsenal's new kit includes the Invincibles' 26 wins, 12 draws and no losses record from the 2003/04 campaign on the sides. Yet fans will need to purchase the 'authentic' shirt - priced at £110 - to get that hidden detail.
That has left many supporters angry, with the standard shirt costing a pricey £80. Fans on social media have described it as "cruel" and "disappointing", as many will not be able to stump up £110 pounds for a football shirt during a cost-of-living crisis.
Fans realised the cost when they went onto Arsenal's website to buy the £80 top. The product's description reads: "To experience the authentic player fit, including the Invincibles record taping on the sides... head over to the 23/24 Authentic Home Shirt."
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Arsenal's new home shirt has raised eyebrows because of its gold badge and Adidas trim. Clubs usually release kits with gold trims when they win the Premier League title, something Arsenal were on course to do at the beginning of April.
Arsenal fans will need to pay an extra £30 for their shirt to include the Invincibles tribute (Arsenal FC)What do you make of Arsenal's new kit? Let us know in the comments below!
After beating Leeds 4-1 at the Emirates, Arsenal were eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table having played a game more. That result left Mikel Arteta's side just nine games away from ending their 19-year wait for a Premier League title.
Yet Arsenal's title challenge collapsed after they failed to beat Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton, City, Brighton and Nottingham Forest. Pep Guardiola's side, who take on Brentford, will finish eight points clear of the Gunners if they match their result on Sunday.
Sceptics believe Arsenal added the gold trims to their 2023/24 in anticipation for a title-winning season. Yet the Gunners claim the design is a tribute to the Invincibles.
Arsenal launched their new kit by inviting 300 fans and employees to the Emirates for a photoshoot with talisman Bukayo Saka, who has just signed a new long-term contract. "We're in this together," Saka told Arsenal's website to promote the jersey.
"The support we’ve received this season home and away, from supporters around the world and from colleagues and friends across the Arsenal family has been immense.
"Celebrating this moment together makes us excited to wear this shirt next season. It’s so powerful when we know teammates, supporters and friends are driving us on. We’re stronger when we’re moving forward, together."