In Pictures: Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen models new 125th anniversary away kit

Arsenal have released pictures of their special 125th anniversary kit, available for pre-order today June 28.

The navy blue and turquoise shirt, modeled by Thomas Vermaelen pictured and Samir Nasri, features a celebratory crest, featuring one of the club’s first recorded mottos – ‘Forward’ – and the anniversary dates of 1886 and 2011 on either side.

The back of the shirt is entirely navy blue, with one sleeve navy and the other turquoise blue.  A stripe runs down each sleeve, broken into three parts to further represent the Dial Square sundial.

The away shorts are navy blue, as are the socks, which have the year of Arsenal’s foundation – 1886 – printed in white on the back of each calf.

The kit, designed by Nike, is made of recycled water bottles, taking up to 13 of the plastic containers to make the shirt and shorts.

The kit is likely to get its first outings during Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures, but could also be worn when the Gunners travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, with the clash set to take place on August 27.

Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on August 13.

Club captain Cesc Fabregas’ absence from the launch of the kit, and all related promotional materials, has further fuelled speculation he is set to leave the Emirates Stadium for boyhood club Barcelona.

However, French star Nasri, who has been linked with a possible move away from north London this summer, was present at the promotional shoot, with Vermaelen and several other of the Gunners’ biggest stars featuring in a video.

The kit will be in stores from July 28, but is available for pre-order from the club now.