🚨 BREAKING THIS MORNING 🚨 Victor Gyökeres’ new jersey number has sparked heated reactions among Arsenal fans, with many calling out Mikel Arteta for allegedly betraying a fellow squad member to grant Gyökeres his preferred number following his five-year signing with the club yesterday.

Tensions are bubbling up across the Arsenal fanbase following the official confirmation of Victor Gyökeres’ arrival on a five-year contract. While the signing of the Swedish striker from Sporting CP should’ve been a moment of celebration, it’s instead ignited debate — not about his price tag, but the shirt number he’s been given. A jersey is more than just fabric to footballers and fans alike, and this one’s causing unrest.

 

Gyökeres made the switch to North London for a reported £65 million, but it’s the symbolic No. 9 shirt he’s been awarded that’s raised eyebrows. This number has history, prestige, and sentimental weight at Arsenal, and whispers from within the club suggest not everyone is thrilled about this reassignment — especially within the dressing room.

 

Speaking at the press unveiling, manager Mikel Arteta showered praise on the striker, calling him a powerhouse with grit and ambition. Arteta subtly confirmed the number choice was Gyökeres’ own request — one the club decided to honor, though not without internal debate. His tone hinted at behind-the-scenes negotiations and trade-offs that weren’t exactly smooth.

 

The elephant in the room, of course, is who lost the number. Arteta stayed tight-lipped, but it hasn’t stopped speculation from spiraling. Multiple reports claim that Gabriel Jesus, the prior wearer of the No. 9, has been quietly pushed aside, raising questions about his role going forward. Rumors of a potential transfer or an upcoming switch in his squad status are gaining traction.

 

Inside sources have painted a picture of surprise and discontent among several senior players. The decision to abruptly hand over such a symbolic number seems to have been made with little warning, catching teammates off guard. Dressing room politics are delicate — this move may have shaken the balance more than the club expected.

 

Meanwhile, fans online are split. Some are hyped about Gyökeres’ goal-scoring pedigree and physical prowess, hoping he’s the missing piece in Arteta’s title puzzle. But many others are lamenting what they see as a cold, disrespectful handover of a cherished number. The optics, they argue, feel more corporate than classy.

 

Comments on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reflect the divide. While some fans cheer the bold move, others warn it could sow unnecessary friction in the squad. “No. 9 is sacred,” one fan posted. Another added, “The club just made it harder for the dressing room to gel. This isn’t FIFA — it’s real life, with real egos.”

 

Despite the uproar, Arsenal’s leadership remains fixed on their bigger goal: chasing the Premier League crown. Arteta will likely have to address more questions as preseason kicks off, but for now, Gyökeres is all smiles — thrilled to wear his dream number and ready to prove he’s worth the fuss. An updated official squad list should soon reveal what becomes of the displaced player and whether harmony can be restored.