Arsenal’s newest striker, Viktor Gyokeres, is already making headlines off the pitch just days after joining the North London club.
According to a report by The Athletic, the 27-year-old Swedish international has broken Arsenal’s shirt sales record, setting a new benchmark that has left club insiders stunned.
Gyokeres was officially unveiled last Saturday, and although retailers are still gathering the final figures, early reports show that the demand for his No.14 jersey has already outpaced that of any player in Arsenal’s recent history. This includes long-standing fan favorites like Bukayo Saka, midfield powerhouse Declan Rice, and team captain Martin Odegaard. The buzz around Gyokeres has been so intense that merchandise outlets reportedly struggled to keep his shirt in stock in both physical and online stores within the first 48 hours of release.
Arsenal paid an initial transfer fee of €63.5 million to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates from Portuguese side Sporting CP, a move that has excited both the club’s hierarchy and its global fanbase. He has since joined up with the rest of the squad on their pre-season tour of Asia, where he received a hero’s welcome at the Singapore National Stadium before a friendly match against Newcastle United. As he stepped onto the pitch to greet supporters, the stadium erupted in applause, with fans chanting his name and proudly wearing his new jersey.
Interestingly, although Gyokeres traditionally prefers the No.9 shirt; a number currently worn by Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus—he instead opted for the legendary No.14 jersey, famously worn by Arsenal’s all-time top scorer Thierry Henry. That decision has only added to the frenzy, with many fans viewing it as a bold nod to the club’s glorious past and a sign of confidence from the new striker. The symbolic weight of that number, combined with Gyokeres’ reputation as a lethal finisher, has fueled massive expectations for his debut season in the Premier League.
Club insiders say the shirt sales success is not just a commercial milestone but also a statement of how hungry Arsenal fans are for a striker who can lead the line with consistency and firepower. While the hype is undeniable, all eyes will now turn to the pitch, where Gyokeres will have the opportunity to justify the excitement and prove he can live up to the legacy of the number he now wears.
With the Premier League season just around the corner, Arsenal supporters are hopeful that the signing of Gyokeres will be the missing piece in their pursuit of domestic and European glory.
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