Viktor Gyokeres has smashed Arsenal’s shirt gross sales file since his transfer from Sporting Lisbon was confirmed.
Following weeks of arduous negotiations, the Gunners finally formally introduced the Swede as an Arsenal participant on Saturday in a deal price £64million.
The information despatched followers right into a frenzy, with an announcement video including to such pleasure because it was revealed Arsenal’s new frontman will put on the long-lasting No 14 shirt, beforehand donned by membership icon Thierry Henry.
It was thought that Gyokeres would have most popular No 9 – presently Gabriel Jesus’ quantity – however later expressed his want to observe within the Frenchman’s footsteps.
To mark his much-anticipated arrival, Arsenal provided to print Gyokeres’ identify and quantity on subsequent season’s shirts free of charge, a service which might often price £16.
And the promotional transfer has been met by a wave of enthusiasm, with Arsenal followers flocking to the membership retailer and web site to get their free Gyokeres printing earlier than the deadline on Thursday.
Viktor Gyokeres has smashed Arsenal’s shirt gross sales file within the days after his signing was confirmed
The Swede will put on Arsenal’s iconic No 14, beforehand worn by membership icon Thierry Henry
Supporters clambering to safe their shirt even brought about the official Arsenal web site to crash, with early figures suggesting that ‘No 14 Gyokeres’ gross sales have eclipsed these of any signing in latest historical past.
The staggering statistics will solely develop earlier than the promotional supply involves an finish tomorrow, with hundreds extra followers more likely to reap the benefits of the uncommon freebie.
Earlier than Gyokeres’ signing, fan-favourites Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard had been the preferred names on supporters’ jerseys.
Since Myles Lewis-Skelly shot onto the scene, the teen has additionally been a typical alternative with followers, maybe due to the actual fact he dons No 49, marking the variety of video games Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles went with out dropping.
Arsenal’s eager for a correct striker to the lead the road at The Emirates has been nicely mentioned, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus struggling to satisfy such a task.
It is hoped that the Gunners have lastly discovered their man, with Gyokeres making the transfer to north London after firing residence an unimaginable 97 objectives in 102 appearances for Sporting Lisbon.
HIs type made him one in every of, if not essentially the most in-demand striker in Europe, with Arsenal warding off competitors from Manchester United for the highly effective attacker’s signature.
Supervisor Mikel Arteta mentioned on Saturday: ‘We’re completely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the membership. The consistency he has proven in his performances and availability have been excellent, and his objective contributions converse for themselves.
The Gunners’ new frontman met his team-mates in Singapore this week
It is hoped Gyokeres will resolve Arsenal’s issues up entrance, with the Gunners’ want for a striker well-discussed final season
He joins after netting a staggering 97 objectives in 102 appearances throughout his time at Sporting Lisbon
‘Viktor has so many qualities. He’s a fast and highly effective presence up entrance, with unimaginable goalscoring numbers at membership and worldwide ranges.
‘He brings a scientific edge with a excessive conversion price of probabilities into objectives, along with his clever motion within the field making him a continuing menace.
‘We’re enthusiastic about what Viktor brings to our squad and are trying ahead to begin working with him. We welcome Viktor and his household to Arsenal.’
Sporting Director Andrea Berta added: ‘We’re so happy with the superb deal we’ve got accomplished to deliver Viktor Gyokeres to the membership.
‘Viktor is an distinctive expertise and has persistently demonstrated he has the qualities and successful mentality required of a top-level centre-forward.
‘His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him an ideal match for our imaginative and prescient. We’re assured Viktor may have a serious impression on the pitch and develop into an essential determine in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!’
Gyokeres has skilled along with his team-mates in latest days and will make his debut later in his new membership’s pre-season tour of Asia.
Mikel Arteta’s males face Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow, earlier than taking over Villareal subsequent Wednesday.
They start their league marketing campaign at Outdated Trafford towards Manchester United on August 17.
