Viktor Gyokeres has already set a new Arsenal club record before making his debut for the club, according to reports.
The Gunners officially announced the arrival of the striker on Saturday, who has joined the club in a deal worth up to £64m on a five-year contract.
There is lots of hype surrounding the Sweden international, given he scored a remarkable tally of 97 goals across 102 games for Sporting CP.
Arsenal have long been in desperate need of a world-class striker, with many pundits feeling their lack of firepower up top has been the reason Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen short in recent Premier League title races.
Gyokeres shirt sales break Arsenal record
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The Athletic reports that shirt sales for Gyokeres have already broken the club’s record – before 27-year-old has even kicked a ball for his new team.
Gyokeres has been handed Arsenal’s famous No.14 shirt, previously worn by legendary former Gunners striker Thierry Henry.
It is not yet clear exactly how many Gyokeres shirts have been sold, but the data shows that sales exceed any other Arsenal signing in recent history.
Gyokeres could play his first game in an Arsenal shirt on Thursday in Hong Kong against north London rivals Tottenham in a pre-season clash.
‘I can’t wait to score in Arsenal colours’
Speaking after his move to Arsenal was announced, Gyokeres told Arsenal’s website: ‘I always want to score.
‘To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can’t wait. It will be an amazing feeling.
‘I started here [in England], it feels like a long time ago. I think I’ve improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team.
‘When I played at Sporting, I scored a few goals in the Champions League so I feel that I can be on that level as well.
‘Now to come here to a club on Arsenal’s level, I think it’s going to help me perform even better with all the amazing players in this team. I’m really excited to get going.
‘I just felt that it was the right club for me. What I heard from Mikel and Andrea when I was speaking with them, and just what I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football.
‘When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.
‘That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.’
