Arthur succeeds Iniesta as Barcelona's new No. 8

The former Gremio player has impressed in pre-season for his new team, and he will take on the shirt of none other than the club idol

New Barcelona signing Arthur has been handed the No. 8 shirt synonymous with club great Andres Iniesta in his first season at Camp Nou.

Iniesta graced Catalunya for more than 20 trophy-laden years before swapping Barcelona for Japan's Vissel Kobe this summer.

The former captain scored a cracking goal in his Vissel debut on Saturday, proving that even at 34 he will not be easy to replace at his former club.

But the decision to hand ex-Gremio hotshot Arthur the famous jersey is a sign of the confidence Barcelona hold in the 21-year-old midfielder, who won comparisons to Iniesta even before signing on thanks to his exploits in the Copa Libertadores.

Indeed, Arthur has made an instant impact on Barca fans, scoring a brilliant long-range strike in his debut against Tottenham in July's International Champions Cup match.

Arthur has been called up along with fellow new signings Malcom, Arturo Vidal, Clement Lenglet and and loan returnee Rafinha for Sunday's Supercopa match against Sevilla in Tangiers.

Malcom will wear 14 this season, with Vidal handed the No. 22 jersey previously worn by namesake Aleix and Lenglet allocated the No. 15. used last season by Paulinho.

Rafinha, meanwhile, takes the No. 12 shirt as he looks to play his way back into Ernesto Valverde's plans following a spell on loan with Inter.

Lionel Messi retains his trademark No. 10 shirt as expected, as does Luis Suarez with the number nine jersey.

Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen meanwhile moves up a place to No. 24, having held the No. 25 jersey throughout the 2017-18 campaign

Barcelona 2018-19 squad numbers in full