Viktor Gyokeres makes Arsenal request he will come to regret immediately after joining
Viktor Gyokeres has made a request which could put hugely pressurise the start of his Arsenal career ahead of the Swede’s debut season in the Premier League.
A transfer saga that spanned the best part of half a year, Arsenal have finally got their man in Gyokeres.
The 27-year-old joined from Sporting CP on a reported £54.8m deal, signing a five-year-contract.
He enjoyed a fruitful second season at the Lisbon side last year, accumulating a whopping 52 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.
His arrival comes at the perfect time for the Gunners after their strikers continued to lack goals up top with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus scoring 12 goals between them in the league last campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side had a heavy reliance on set-pieces in the 2024-25 season, netting 21 times from corners and free-kicks.
Gyokeres’ addition will add some much needed firepower and variation to their attacks, with his shirt selection proving to be an intriguing decision.
Following in the footsteps of an Arsenal legend
As reported by David Ornstein (25 July), Gyokeres will take the number 14 shirt, worn by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Gyokeres is reportedly expected to complete his medical on Saturday (26 July) ahead of being formally announced as a Gunner.
Upon his announcement, the Swede should assume the same number worn by Henry, who netted 228 goals for Arsenal in all competitions.
Gyokeres under pressure
Although the Swedish forward arrives with an undeniable eye for goals, wearing the number 14 shirt could be a slippery slope.
Henry is arguably the greatest Arsenal invincible, commemorated with a statue outside of the Emirates stadium.
| Thierry Henry Premier League career in numbers | |
| Appearances | 258 |
| Goals | 175 |
| Assists | 74 |
| Trophies | 5 |
There will be huge expectation on Gyokeres’ shoulders to emulate the Gunners great by wearing the iconic number 14, the same number that will be worn by Marcus Rashford after his move to Barcelona.
Failure to hit the ground running could disgrace the Arsenal legacy set by Henry and the number 14 shirt.
The Swede must be aware of the pressures of putting on the shirt and must start scoring fast to prevent tarnishing the Frenchman’s number.
On the other hand, the decision by the former Coventry striker is a bold one which, if he starts racking up the goals, will be admired by Arsenal fans.
Nevertheless, it is a risky decision, one that could spell trouble for Gyokeres in his first season in the Premier League.