Viktor Gyokeres 'decides' Arsenal squad number as transfer nears completion and it speaks volumes

Viktor Gyokeres has been handed his Arsenal squad number as the forward's much-anticipated transfer nears completion and his selection speaks volumes about the character the Gunners have signed.

Gyokeres is due to arrive in London on Friday to complete a £63.8 million switch from Sporting CP, ending Arsenal's long pursuit of a centre forward.

After signing for Sporting from Coventry for €20 million (£17.5 million) in 2023, the Swede has gone on to score an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games.

He attracted interest from Manchester United as well as Arsenal but Gyokeres made it clear he wanted to play in the Champions League.

Now it has emerged that Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Sporting CP to sign the striker.

The Athletic reported that Gyokeres has been given permission to travel and undergo his Arsenal medical on Saturday.

Viktor Gyokeres came up against Arsenal last season. (Image: Gualter Fatia / Contributor via Getty)

And he will wear the iconic number 14 shirt, a number which was made famous by the legendary Thierry Henry.

The Frenchman wore the number 14 throughout his first spell at Arsenal, during which he led the club to two league titles and two FA Cups.

For many fans, Henry is the greatest player in Premier League history and Gyokeres' decision to take his number suggests Arsenal are signing a player full of confidence he can live up to the expectations of wearing that number.

Gyokeres becomes the fourth player since Henry to wear the number, following in the footsteps of Theo Walcott, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and, most recently, Eddie Nketiah.

When will Viktor Gyokeres join Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta reportedly hoped to have Gyokeres in the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia.

But Arsenal have already played their first game in Singapore, beating AC Milan 1-0 thanks to a Bukayo Saka winner.

Arsenal have been one of the busiest clubs in this summer's window, signing five senior players before Gyokeres.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Christian Norgaard have arrived to improve squad depth for what is expected to be another long campaign.

Arsenal beat AC Milan in their first pre-season match. (Image: Yong Teck Lim / Staff via Getty)

They finally followed up their long-standing interest in Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who signed for £61m from Real Sociedad.

Winger Noni Madueke moved from Chelsea for a deal which could rise to £52 million.

Although the 23-year-old usually plays off the right, he should provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left.

In defence, Cristhian Mosquera's move from Valencia for £13 million has been confirmed and he is intended to add depth behind first-choice central defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel.

After a summer of change at the Emirates, Arteta will value the training time he can get with his squad ahead of the season.

The new campaign gets underway in three weeks with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

For Gyokeres, he may receive his Arsenal debut against his former manager Ruben Amorim.

It marks the beginning of a difficult start for Arsenal, who will also play Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle by the end of September.