Arsenal drop huge hint over next signing after 'telling' Viktor Gyokeres there was one squad number he couldn't have

Arsenal have reportedly dropped a hint about who they could sign next, having completed a move for Viktor Gyokeres last week.

Gyokeres, 27, was linked with a move to Arsenal for some time and finally completed the switch last week after a summer-long transfer saga consisting of several twists, turns and disagreements between Sporting CP and the Gunners with regard to bonuses and add-ons.

The Swede signed a five-year deal at the north London club with the transfer fee reportedly worth up to £73m.

The 27-year-old, who had stints at Brighton and Coventry as well as loan spells at Swansea City and German side St. Pauli, will wear the iconic number 14 shirt previously worn by the club’s leading goal scorer Thierry Henry.

"Of course I know about the history," Gyokeres said when asked about his choice of squad number.

"To be honest, there weren't so many numbers available. There weren't too many to pick from.

Viktor Gyokeres in Arsenal training (Credit:Getty)

"But of course, that one was available. So when I knew that it was an easy choice to take it.

"I don't know. It's not really my intention to be compared with what he's achieved in his career.

"Especially here. I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities. Of course, he was an amazing player, but different from me. I just want to try to do my own thing."

Meanwhile, a report from the Sun claims that the number ten shirt was also available, although it has been ‘earmarked for someone else’.

Of course, the obvious suggestion for who the new Arsenal number ten could be is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. The England international has worn the number since the 2021/22 season.

On Wednesday (July 30), The Guardian reported that Palace want £35m upfront of a deal which could reach £67m.

The report claims that Arsenal officials have held initial talks over a deal, as the player has two years left on his current contract at Selhurst Park.

Ebe Eze is linked with a move to Arsenal (Credit:Getty)

The Eagles, who won the 2025 FA Cup thanks to Eze’s strike against Manchester City, have “indicated that they are not willing to accept any bids below the 27-year-old’s release clause and want £35m in advance”.

Eze’s former club, Queens Park Rangers, are also due around 15 per cent of the profit Palace make from the potential deal.

The Gunners have already made six signings this summer, with Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke and Gyokeres all completing moves to Mikel Arteta’s side.

So, what has Arteta said about Arsenal’s transfer window?

On Tuesday, the Arsenal head coach was asked if his side needed further additions to the squad for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Arteta said: “There’s still a long period with the window open. So far, we are very happy with what we have achieved. Make sure that at the end of the window, we continue to be super happy.”