Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of completing his move to Arsenal, and all signs point to the Swedish forward inheriting one of the most iconic shirts in Premier League history. After weeks of tense negotiations and logistical wrangling, the striker is finally poised to become Mikel Arteta’s sixth summer signing—marking not just a major shift in the club’s attacking arsenal, but also adding a symbolic new chapter to the legacy of the No. 14 jersey.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres has been one of the most closely watched storylines of the summer window. The 27-year-old had already agreed personal terms weeks ago, but finalizing the transfer with Sporting CP proved far more complex. The Portuguese champions initially stood firm on both their price and payment structure, dragging negotiations through multiple rounds.
The Gunners ultimately agreed to pay £55 million up front, with an additional £8.7 million tied to performance-related incentives—some based on appearances, others on goal contributions and Champions League qualification over the next five years.
What makes this transfer even more symbolic is the shirt number Gyokeres is set to wear. He will reportedly take the No. 14 shirt—famously worn by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. It’s a number rich with meaning at the Emirates, and giving it to Gyokeres signals the faith the club has in his ability to lead the line.
While the No. 14 is set to be claimed, another iconic shirt remains available. Following Emile Smith Rowe’s move to Fulham, the No. 10 jersey has not yet been reassigned. Fans have speculated that prodigious talent Ethan Nwaneri could be in line to inherit it eventually, but Arsenal has remained tight-lipped.
With Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera already set to join, the Gunners have quietly built a well-rounded recruitment strategy this window. Arteta’s focus appears to be on filling key roles with experienced players in their mid-20s, all while continuing to give space for young talents like Bukayo Saka, Nwaneri, and Jurrien Timber to develop.
That said, Arsenal might not be finished yet. The club is reportedly still keeping tabs on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who could provide versatility as a left winger and attacking midfielder. His £68 million release clause remains a stumbling block, but Arsenal’s decision to prioritize strategic signings means they’re not rushing into any one deal.
To free up space and generate funds, a wave of departures is also expected. Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, Sambi Lokonga, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all reportedly on the market. The club may also cash in on Karl Hein and explore further loan deals for younger players.
For the first time since January 2018—when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived from Borussia Dortmund—Arsenal are signing a true out-and-out striker. Gyokeres brings with him an impressive résumé: 97 goals and 28 assists in just over 100 appearances for Sporting, plus back-to-back Portuguese titles and domestic cup success.
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