Arsenal's latest marquee signing, Viktor Gyokeres, has made an instant impact off the pitch by shattering the club's shirt sales record mere days after his £70 million transfer was confirmed.
The Swedish striker, who has inherited the legendary No.14 jersey previously worn by Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, has seen his new kit fly off the shelves at unprecedented rates. Club shop staff report queues forming as fans rush to get their hands on the new signing's shirt.
Instant Connection with the Fans
Gyokeres' immediate popularity comes as no surprise to Arsenal faithful, who have been crying out for a prolific striker since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure. The 25-year-old arrives with a formidable reputation after scoring 43 goals in all competitions last season for Sporting Lisbon.
"We've never seen anything like it," said one Emirates Stadium retail assistant. "The demand for Gyokeres shirts has eclipsed even Mesut Özil's arrival in 2013. The printing machines can barely keep up."
Pressure of the Famous Number
By choosing the No.14 shirt, Gyokeres has willingly shouldered the weight of comparison with club legend Thierry Henry, who scored a club-record 228 goals wearing that number between 1999-2007.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told reporters: "It takes courage to wear that number, but Viktor has the mentality to handle it. The fans already love him, and if he starts scoring goals, he'll write his own chapter in Arsenal's history."
The record-breaking shirt sales come as Arsenal prepare for their pre-season tour of the USA, where Gyokeres is expected to make his first appearances in the famous red and white.
