Viktor Gyokeres has smashed Arsenal’s shirt sales record in the days after his signing was confirmed.
Following weeks of arduous negotiations with Sporting Lisbon, the Gunners at last officially announced the Swede as an Arsenal player on Saturday in a deal worth £64million.
The news sent fans into a frenzy, with an announcement video adding to such excitement as it was revealed Arsenal’s new frontman will wear the iconic No 14 shirt, previously worn by club icon Thierry Henry.
It was thought that Gyokeres would have preferred No 9 – currently Gabriel Jesus’ number – but later expressed his desire to follow in the Frenchman’s footsteps.
To mark his much-anticipated arrival, Arsenal offered to print Gyokeres’ name and number on next season’s shirts for free, a service which would usually cost £16.
And the promotional move has been met by a wave of enthusiasm, with Arsenal fans flocking to the club store and website to get their free Gyokeres jerseys before the deadline on Thursday.
Viktor Gyokeres has smashed Arsenal’s shirt sales record in the days after his signing was confirmed
The Swede will wear Arsenal’s iconic No 14, previously worn by club icon Thierry Henry
Such was the excitement that the official Arsenal website temporarily crashed, with early figures suggesting that ‘No 14 Gyokeres’ shirt sales have eclipsed those of any signing in recent history.
The staggering figures will only grow before the promotional offer comes to an end tomorrow, with thousands more fans likely to take advantage of the rare freebie.
Gyokeres has seemingly shot above long-standing fan-favourites Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard, who had previously been popular names on Arsenal shirts.
Since Myles Lewis-Skelly shot onto the scene, the youngster has also been a common choice with supporters, perhaps thanks to the fact he dons No 49, marking the number of games Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles went without losing.
Arsenal’s longing for a proper striker to the lead the line at The Emirates has been well discussed, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus struggling to fulfill such a role.
It’s hoped that the Gunners have finally found their man, with Gyokeres making the move to north London after firing home a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting Lisbon.
HIs form made him one of, if not the most in-demand striker in Europe, with Arsenal fending off competition from Manchester United for the powerful attacker’s signature.
Manager Mikel Arteta said on Saturday: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.
The Gunners’ new frontman met his team-mates in Singapore this week
It’s hoped Gyokeres will solve Arsenal’s problems up front, with the Gunners’ need for a striker well-discussed last season
He joins after netting a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances during his time at Sporting Lisbon
‘Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels.
‘He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
‘We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.’
Sporting Director Andrea Berta added: ‘We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyokeres to the club.
‘Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward.
‘His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision. We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!’
Gyokeres has trained with his team-mates in recent days and could make his debut later in his new club’s pre-season tour of Asia.
Mikel Arteta’s men face Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow, before taking on Villareal next Wednesday.
They begin their league campaign at Old Trafford against Manchester United on August 17.
