Viktor Gyokeres denied dream Arsenal shirt number - but second-choice is available

Viktor Gyokeres will not be able to wear his favoured shirt number at Arsenal with the Swedish striker being on the brink of a £63.7 million move to the Emirates.

The-27 year-old has been keen on joining the Gunners throughout the summer transfer window and is now close to realising his ambition.

While personal terms were settled some time ago, the finer points of the deal between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon took a bit more time to iron out. The Portuguese champions, for whom Gyokeres has netted an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances, were negotiating over the specifics of the add-ons included in Arsenal's offer.

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According to The Guardian, Mikel Arteta's side made significant progress late on Tuesday night, after the Gunners boss had spent the initial days of their pre-season tour in Asia deflecting questions about the former Coventry City star, reports the Mirror.

Following Wednesday's 1-0 victory over AC Milan in Singapore, Arteta reiterated: "You know that I am not going to play against any player that is not with us yet."

Arteta's remarks echo his statement from Monday upon the squad's arrival in Asia. "I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet," he informed the press.

"When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that."

Gyokeres is now set to make the transfer official and the Swedish striker will aim to replicate his Primeira Liga success in the Premier League, albeit with a different number on his shirt.

Gyokeres has donned the No. 9 jersey since his move from Coventry to Sporting in 2023.

However, that number is currently held by Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal, who is currently out injured.

During his tenure at Coventry Gyokeres sported the No. 17, which is presently occupied by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has been linked with a departure from the Gunners.

Interestingly, the coveted No. 10 shirt is up for grabs following Emile Smith Rowe's exit last summer.

This opens up an opportunity for the 27-year-old to step into a number previously worn by Arsenal legends such as Paul Merson, Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie and Mesut Ozil.

Another iconic number available is the No. 14, famously associated with Thierry Henry.

Other Arsenal greats who have worn this number include Martin Keown, Alan Smith, Ray Parlour and Kevin Campbell.

Gyokeres has only worn the No. 10 during his youth career, later wearing 12, 14, 42 and 9 in senior football.

Other vacant numbers at Arsenal include 10, 25, 26, 34 and 35.