The signing of Viktor Gyökeres has reportedly smashed Arsenal's club’s record for shirt sales. The Athletic report how club promotions have fuelled an extraordinary demand for Gyökeres’ jersey. The 27-year-old forward, who joined Arsenal from Sporting CP for an initial £55 million plus £8.7 million in add-ons, has already become a fan favourite without kicking a ball.
🚨 The amount of Viktor Gyokeres shirts printed & sold since he signed for Arsenal constitutes a club record.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) July 29, 2025
Club promotion helps drive unprecedented demand for new #AFC striker’s number 14 shirt in the days since joining.
Story for @TheAthleticFC ⬇️https://t.co/JBrQIKj2pZ
Gyökeres’ transfer saw him jet off to Asia to join Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore and Hong Kong. He was unveiled at the Singapore National Stadium, where he was warmly received by fans during a friendly against Newcastle United on July 27, setting the stage for the merchandising frenzy. The club’s decision to offer free personalization of his name and number on next season’s shirts—a service typically costing £16—further amplified the excitement, with the online shop reportedly crashing due to overwhelming demand.
The Significance of Number 14
Gyökeres’ choice of the No. 14 shirt carries a special resonance for Arsenal supporters. Although he reportedly prefers the No. 9, currently worn by Gabriel Jesus, his selection of 14 pays homage to club legend Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer. This nod to history has evidently struck a chord with the fanbase, driving sales past those of popular names like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard, who have long dominated shirt sales charts.
The promotion, valid until Thursday, July 31, 2025, is expected to push sales figures even higher as fans continue to embrace the new signing. Young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose No. 49 shirt has gained traction due to its connection to Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles” unbeaten streak, has also been a notable seller, but Gyökeres has swiftly overtaken all competitors.
Viktor Gyokeres' first Arsenal training session ✅ pic.twitter.com/D9363xXl9T
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 29, 2025
A Strategic Signing
Mikel Arteta’s excitement about Gyökeres, expressed after the Newcastle friendly, aligns with the club’s strategic focus on bolstering its attacking options. After exploring options like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, Arsenal’s pursuit of a prolific centre-forward has culminated in Gyökeres, whose five-year contract signals a long-term investment.
As the team continues its Asian tour, with a match against Tottenham scheduled for July 31 in Hong Kong, Gyökeres’ integration into the squad will be closely watched. His training sessions in Singapore and the warm reception from fans suggest a seamless transition, bolstered by the club’s marketing efforts and the historical weight of his chosen number.
The record-breaking shirt sales are more than a commercial triumph; they reflect a renewed sense of hope among Arsenal supporters, who have awaited a marquee striker signing for some time. Whether Gyökeres can translate this off-field popularity into on-field success remains to be seen, but his early impact has undeniably set a high bar.
