Arsenal’s long wait for a prolific striker this summer seems to be over as Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on his way to join the Gunners.
As per reports, the Swedish international has a medical scheduled on Saturday and right after, he will join Arsenal’s preseason camp in Singapore to gel with the team.
The Gunners are heading into a big season where it is make or break for their manager, Mikel Arteta, as they haven’t won any significant trophy since 2020.
Adding to that, Arsenal have finished second in three consecutive Premier League campaigns, which has been a cause of frustration to the team management.
Therefore, they have backed the Spanish manager in the transfer market with some important signings this summer.
While other signings were getting wrapped up in a few days, Arsenal took their time in finalising a deal for their main man up front.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
They have eventually wrapped up Gyokeres, who has been lighting up the Liga Portugal in the last couple of seasons for Sporting CP.
He will hope to replicate similar form for Arsenal as he reportedly takes over the iconic number 14 jersey, which was once worn by the legendary Thierry Henry.
The 26-year-old Swedish star will hope to do justice donning the iconic jersey number for the Gunners.
Arsenal are paying around £64m including add-ons for Gyokeres, who is all set to sign a five-year contract with the North London outfit.
He netted 54 goals in 52 games last season, guiding Sporting CP to the domestic double by winning the league and cup titles.
Arsenal have suffered in the 2024/25 campaign due to injuries to their forwards – Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
The Swedish marksman is here to solve that problem as he is known for his goal-scoring instincts, physical presence and exceptional finishing abilities in and around the penalty area.
As per FBref, he had multiple 90+ percentiles in attacking parameters last season due to his terrific goalscoring record, but he was equally exceptional in ball progression and progressive passes as well.
Who all have donned the number 14 jersey for Arsenal previously?
Henry remains the most iconic Arsenal player to don the number 14 jersey, but since then, players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Theo Walcott have also donned the iconic jersey for the Gunners.
Both players have had a good outing donning the historic kit for the Gunners. While Walcott played more than 250 games for the club, Aubameyang also featured in more than 150 fixtures and had a stellar impact upfront.
Other players to wear the number 14 jersey for the Gunners are Martin Keown and Eddie Nketiah.
So Gyokeres will have to live up to lofty expectations wearing the same jersey which has a lot of emotions and history attached to the North London outfit and their fans.
While matching Henry’s statistics will be a massive task for the 26-year-old, who will be making a big jump to the Premier League.
But looking at his statistics and attributes, Gyokeres could be a good addition to this Arsenal team as the Gunners lacked a proper prolific goalscorer upfront.
Arsenal news and related news
