Arsenal are set to replace the club’s crest with the iconic cannon on all of their shirts for the 2024/25 season.
The cannon has become synonymous with the English club ever since the side was founded in 1886.
The cannon provides an inclination into the roots of the club, and it also explains the Gunners’ nickname.
Arsenal’s shirts have been emblazoned with the cannon instead of the badge before, most notably on their green third kit this campaign, along with the 2022/23 black away jersey.
First time in recent years that the cannon will be emblazoned on all Arsenal shirts
However, based on reports from The Athletic, next season will be the first time in recent years that just the cannon will be imprinted across all of the Gunners’ shirts.
That indicates that the traditional club crest, which features the cannon and has the words “Arsenal” inscribed on it, will not be in use.
The initiative by the North London side is motivated by not only the popularity of the cannon, but also a desire to exude the club’s renowned history, culture, and tradition.
This move by Arsenal is not new, with Liverpool once using the liver bird, accompanied by the letters LFC which means (Liverpool Football Club) instead of their usual badge.
Also, Manchester United also made an away kit in August 2023 that didn’t feature the club’s crest, instead panning their lens around a “red devil” design.
However, it will be the first time Arsenal’s home shirt has had only a cannon on its shirt since 1977/78.
The 1989/90 campaign saw a cannon used, but AFC was also inscribed on the shirt.
The future of the crest after the 2024/25 season
It is unclear what the future of the crest will be, but The Athletic report goes on to claim that the crest is going nowhere as it remains a crucial part of the club’s identity.
The move to use just the cannon is in place for an initial campaign, when what will occur subsequently will be sorted out.
Mikel Arteta’s side last wore the green kit with the cannon on it against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, when they were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Meanwhile, Arsenal were in full force against Chelsea on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, as they smashed the Blues 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Goals from Leandro Trossard and a brace from Kai Havertz and Ben White handed the Gunners a swashbuckling win over their North London rivals.
The win keeps Mikel Arteta’s side at the summit of the Premier League table, with 77 points from 34 league matches, 3 points better than 2nd-placed Liverpool, who have a game outstanding.
They are also 4 points better than Manchester City, who have 2 games in hand, and sit 3rd on the table with 73 points.
