New Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres has officially completed his long-awaited transfer from Sporting CP, bringing an end to one of the summer’s most talked-about sagas. The Swedish striker joins Mikel Arteta’s squad with a glittering goal record and has already captured headlines by selecting the legendary No. 14 jersey — once worn by Thierry Henry.
Gyokeres, who netted a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting over the last two seasons, described taking the iconic number as an “easy pick,” despite the weight of history behind it.
“I know a lot of great players have had (that number) and there’s a big history behind it. It’s an honour to wear it. It was an easy pick,” he told CNN.
Arsenal fans are buzzing with excitement as the 26-year-old is expected to make his debut against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong this Thursday, ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.
With Thierry Henry’s legacy of 228 goals looming large, comparisons are inevitable, but Gyokeres is unfazed.
“I’ve been waiting for a long time, so it’s nice to finally get going and train with the team. Everyone is very helpful. I think it’s very easy to (integrate) into the group.”
Shirt Sales Already Surging for Gyokeres
The buzz around Gyokeres has translated into a commercial boom for Arsenal. Shirt sales featuring his name and No. 14 have already outpaced club favorites Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, according to reports from The Athletic, with projections suggesting continued growth as the season unfolds.
Despite the pressure, the Swedish striker remains grounded: “There’s a lot of people happy with me here, so I just want to give it back on the pitch. I think it’s time for that.”
“It’s been a lot, the last few days. Straight into it. It’s been great, but a lot at the same time. It’s an amazing feeling to be here.”
“Of course, there’s pressure from the outside, but it comes down to how much pressure you put on yourself and try as much as possible when you’re on the pitch.”
A Solution to Arsenal’s Goal-Scoring Woes?
Last season, Arsenal’s attack faltered during crucial stages, with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka missing time due to injuries. The Gunners even had to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino as a temporary striker. That inconsistency cost them in the Premier League title race, though they did reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Gyokeres arrives to plug that gap and add firepower to the frontline. “I always want to score goals, but I think it’s more important to just help the team with my qualities,” he said. “Try to win as much as possible in the games we play, and take it from there.”
Arteta Confident in Gyokeres’ Readiness
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident that the Swede is mentally and physically prepared to shoulder the pressure of a title challenge.
“When I explained to him what I wanted, the context, the external demands he would feel – he said, ‘I’m ready for it and looking forward to it.’”
“That’s the way to handle [the pressure]. Those expectations are there for a reason. People believe in him, in the team and our quality to deliver what we want. And what we want is to win.
There is always pressure, whether it’s to win the Champions League or to avoid relegation.”
Arsenal’s Big Summer of Ambition
Gyokeres isn’t the only big name heading to the Emirates this summer. He joins a star-studded list of signings that includes Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga — all part of Arteta’s plan to build a title-winning squad.
With an iconic shirt on his back and the eyes of the football world upon him, Viktor Gyokeres is ready to write a new chapter in Arsenal history.
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