Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s new number 14.
Andrea Berta completed a deal to sign the Swedish striker from Sporting CP last week, and Gyokeres was unveiled to Arsenal fans in Singapore.
The striker donned the Arsenal home shirt before walking onto the pitch to acknowledge all the support in the National Stadium.
On his back was the number 14, but that wasn’t actually his preferred option.
Why Viktor Gyokeres chose the number 14 shirt at Arsenal
The number 14 shirt at Arsenal is iconic.
Thierry Henry donned that top when he joined the club in 1999, and he went on to become the club’s greatest ever player.
Arsenal fans still adore the legendary Frenchman, but the sad part is that they haven’t been able to replace him even though it’s been nearly two decades since he left.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Viktor Gyokeres is the man to bring glory back to Arsenal, and he could write a great story with the number 14 on his back.
However, the Swede’s preferred number, according to The Athletic, was the number nine.
That shirt is currently owned by Gabriel Jesus. The £45 million Brazilian has been linked with a move away from the club, but nothing has materialised just yet.
Gyokeres’ wish to take the number nine shirt was not granted as a result. He then chose the number 14, and that has raised the expectations.
Viktor Gyokeres’ admission after joining Arsenal speaks volumes
Jesus faced the wrath of Arsenal fans when he came out and claimed that goalscoring is not his strongest attribute.
That’s not what you should be hearing from your striker when you are challenging for the title. Luckily for Arsenal fans, their new signing is completely different.
One of the first things Gyokeres said after joining Arsenal was: “I always want to score!”
That mentality is exactly what Arsenal need ahead of the 2025/26 season, as everyone is expecting the Gunners to finally get over the finish line.
Gyokeres is definitely an upgrade on Jesus, and we have a feeling that he will score significantly more goals for Arsenal than the Brazilian.
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