Arsenal’s latest striker, Viktor Gyokeres, has seen the gross sales of his No.14 shirt surpass any signing within the membership’s fashionable historical past.
Though the ultimate figures are nonetheless being compiled from retailers and on-line retailers, early information confirms that curiosity in Gyokeres merchandise has set a brand new benchmark for the North London aspect.
The 27-year-old ahead formally joined Arsenal on July 26 in a deal price an preliminary £54.8m. From there, he instantly boarded a flight to hyperlink up with the squad for his or her pre-season tour in Singapore and Hong Kong.
He was unveiled to followers contained in the Singapore Nationwide Stadium earlier than the pleasant towards Newcastle United, the place he was met by a raucous reception.
Talking after that match, supervisor Mikel Arteta admitted that each gamers and workers have been “very excited” to work with Gyokeres – a sense clearly echoed by the Arsenal trustworthy, who’ve lengthy been calling for a marquee centre-forward signing.
Henry’s iconic No.14 shirt
Whereas Gyokeres would have most well-liked to take the normal striker’s No.9 shirt, that jersey is at the moment worn by Gabriel Jesus.
As an alternative, he opted for the quantity 14, famously worn by Arsenal legend and document goalscorer Thierry Henry, giving the brand new signing’s shirt an added emotional weight for the supporters.
To have a good time his signing, Arsenal introduced that, for a restricted time, they’d print Gyokeres’ identify and quantity on any 2025-26 shirt freed from cost, a proposal that often prices £16.
This promotion induced such an inflow of orders that the membership’s web site briefly went down because of overwhelming demand.
The complimentary shirt printing runs till Thursday, and with the persevering with surge in orders from varied gross sales channels, the general whole is anticipated to push the document even increased.
Fan favourites overtaken
Earlier than Gyokeres’ arrival, shirts bearing the names of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard have been among the many best-sellers.
Rising academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly additionally attracted notable demand, partly due to his No.49 shirt, which recollects the unbeaten run of Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles.
Because the Sporting CP striker’s transfer, nevertheless, Gyokeres has eclipsed all of them.
The Swedish worldwide has already begun coaching along with his new group, collaborating in a session in Singapore earlier than the squad flew on to Hong Kong.
Arsenal will subsequent be in motion towards rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Kai Tak Sports activities Park on Thursday, July 31.
