Viktor Gyokeres is not going to be taking the No9 shirt at Arsenal, regardless of a weird fan theory over his lack of appearances to this point this season.
The Arsenal No9 shirt – beforehand worn by the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Anelka and Eduardo within the Premier League period – is now vacant following Gabriel Jesus‘ transfer to Barcelona.
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Standard Sport understands Jesus has joined the LaLiga champions for £12.9million including add-ons, with a sell-on clause included in the deal.
With the No9 shirt normally reserved for strikers, particularly centre-forwards, there was a theory that Gyokeres would take it on at Arsenal following the Brazilian’s departure.
In truth, there was some chatter on social media that the rationale for the Sweden worldwide not that includes in both of the Gunners’ opening two Premier League video games of the season was shirt number associated.
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However, with Arsenal announcing their shirt numbers for the 2026-27 season on August 18 – three days before facing Coventry – it means Gyokeres will likely be maintaining No14.
Viktor Gyokeres is but to characteristic for Arsenal within the Premier League this season (Getty)
Furthermore, Mikel Arteta mentioned Gyokeres not coming off the bench against Aston Villa on Monday night when addressing the unused substitutes at Villa Park straight.
The Arsenal supervisor mentioned: “It was a squad performance and a squad victory today and I’m sad for the ones that didn’t have the chance to play because they all want to be participating.
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“But generally you have sure points with gamers bodily that you just have to make adjustments and I’m certain there are going to be minutes for everyone.”
“It was a squad victory and we knew it was going to be a protracted match. The sport was going to shift and so they had been going to have moments as a result of they’re very able to doing that, particularly while you lose the ball in sure areas.
“There are still things to improve but I loved the attitude of every single player that was on the pitch.”