Alexander Isak dealt Arsenal blow as Viktor Gyokeres makes specific request after transfer

Alexander Isak won't have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry if he does get his move from Newcastle this summer. The Swedish striker has rocked his club by reportedly informing them he wants to leave, after being left out of their pre-season tour to Singapore.

He had already been linked with a huge money move to either Arsenal or Liverpool. That's despite both clubs having already made significant forward signings in the transfer window, with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike having arrived at Anfield this week for an initial £69million fee which could rise to £79m. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres is due to finalise his switch to Arsenal from Sporting CP this weekend following a medical.

However, the 27-year-old has dealt a blow to Isak if a move to the Emirates was to materialise, although it would now take a raft of sales to make a bid possible. With the No.9 shirt already taken by Gabriel Jesus, Gyokeres has opted to inherit the fabled No.14 in North London.

It's the same number famously worn by Henry. The Frenchman is an icon at the club after scoring 226 goals in 370 appearances and inspiring them to two Premier League titles.

Three forwards have since taken on his top, with mixed success. Theo Walcott was the first to inherit it, later admitting he felt added pressure in doing so, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah took it on.

Isak currently wears No.14 at St James' Park. If Arsenal were to make a bid, his most obvious option would not be to take No.10, which has been vacant since Emilie Smith-Rowe moved to Fulham last year.

However, if the Swedish striker is intent on keeping his current number, that opportunity could well manufacture itself at Anfield.

Federico Chiesa currently wears No.14, and is expected to be sold this summer.