Mikel Arteta press conference after Arsenal beat Aston Villa
Mikel Arteta press conference after Arsenal beat Aston Villa
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Viktor Gyokeres will not be taking the No9 shirt at Arsenal, despite a bizarre fan theory over his lack of appearances so far this season.
The Arsenal No9 shirt - previously worn by the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Anelka and Eduardo in the Premier League era - is now vacant following Gabriel Jesus’ move to Barcelona.
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 usually reserved for strikers, specifically centre-forwards, there has been a theory that Gyokeres would take it on at Arsenal following the Brazilian’s departure.
In fact, there was some chatter on social media that the reason for the Sweden international not featuring in either of the Gunners’ opening two Premier League games of the season was shirt number related.
However, with Arsenal announcing their shirt numbers for the 2026-27 season on August 18 - three days before facing Coventry - it means Gyokeres will be keeping No14.
Viktor Gyokeres is yet to feature for Arsenal in the Premier League this season
Furthermore, Mikel Arteta discussed Gyokeres not coming off the bench against Aston Villa on Monday night when addressing the unused substitutes at Villa Park directly.
The Arsenal manager said: "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.
“But sometimes you have certain issues with players physically that you have to make changes and I’m sure there are going to be minutes for everybody."
"It was a squad victory and we knew it was going to be a long match. The game was going to shift and they were going to have moments because they are very capable of doing that, especially when you lose the ball in certain areas.
“There are still things to improve but I loved the attitude of every single player that was on the pitch."