Viktor Gyokeres misses out on dream Arsenal shirt number and opts for iconic alternative

When Viktor Gyokeres completes his move from Sporting CP, he will inherit a famous Arsenal shirt number, just not the one he wanted. The 27-year-old is awaiting a medical after the two clubs finally reached an agreement over the structure of his £63.5million move.

He could even be available for the club's opening pre-season tour game against Newcastle in Singapore on Sunday. The transfer formalities are due to take place on Saturday, with Gyokeres having agreed personal terms with the Gunners. However, he hasn't got his way when it comes to his new shirt.

Gyokeres wore the No.9 top in Portugal after leaving Coventry in the summer of 2023. He's since scored an impressive 97 goals in 102 club games for Sporting and cemented hero status among the club's fans before expressing his desire to leave.

However, that number is currently in the hands of Gabriel Jesus. Despite struggling for form and fitness since joining from Manchester City three years ago, the Brazilian still has two years left on his contract and remains in Mikel Arteta's first-team plans.

Instead, Gyokeres will wear No.14. The mere mention of the shirt sparks feelings of nostalgia amongst Arsenal fans, as it was previously worn by the iconic Thierry Henry.

When the Frenchman departed for Barcelona in 2007, Theo Walcott took on the mantle. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was next to shoulder the responsibility, and it was later handed to academy product Eddie Nketiah.

It's been vacant since the forward left for Crystal Palace last season, though. Gyokeres has become the latest club man charged with following in the footsteps of the man who scored 226 times for Arsenal in 370 club games.

Intriguingly, the No.10 shirt remains vacant at the club after Emilie Smith-Rowe joined Fulham. It's another number with a famous legacy in North London, previously worn by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie.