Expectations for Viktor Gyokeres were high right before he wore Arsenal's number 14 shirt.
This shirt has long been a symbol, associated with the legend Thierry Henry - who scored 228 goals in the period from 1999 to 2007. This is a record that no other player in the club's history can compare with.
Since then, it seems Arsenal have never had a truly outstanding striker. Robin van Persie once had all the necessary qualities, but was unlucky with injuries and fitness.
According to Walcott, who inherited the No. 14 shirt from Henry and kept it for nearly a decade, could not meet expectations, in the context of the growing trust of fans as the power of veteran coach Arsene Wenger declined.
Even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah, who wore the number 14 shirt, could not help the "Gunners" end their thirst for Premier League titles. This is the trophy that Henry and his teammates won in the unbeaten 2003-2004 season.
However, after three consecutive second-place finishes under coach Mikel Arteta, Arsenal fans are full of hope that Gyokeres is the final piece. He was signed from Sporting CP for a starting fee of €63 million, and is expected to help the team transform from the runner-up position to the championship.
Arsenal's number 10 shirt is still vacant, although a source revealed that this shirt could be for another player in the team. Gyokeres may have proactively chosen to stay away from this number to avoid being compared to the legendary Henry.
However, in an interview at Rosewood Hotel in Hong Kong (China) last Wednesday, Gyokeres appeared completely unconcerned by the weight of the heritage associated with the No. 14 shirt.
"I really don't want to be compared to what he has achieved in his career. Especially here. I just want to do what I love and show my qualities. Of course, he's a great player, but different from me. I just want to challenge myself.
I know the history of this shirt. But honestly, there are not too many options. There are not many shirts to choose from. And knowing that number was still empty, I easily made a decision," said Gyokeres.
Gyokeres has scored impressively in his last two seasons at Sporting Lisbon with 97 goals in 102 matches. This achievement has made him a target for a series of big clubs across Europe.
However, there are still many doubts about whether Gyokeres' impressive scoring form in Portugal can be recreated in the Premier League. With a tight schedule on all four fronts lasting 10 months a year, Gyokeres will need to adapt quickly.
