Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko has confirmed that Christos Tzolis is on the verge of completing a transfer to Arsenal. The Greek international attacker, named Belgian Jupiler Pro League Player of the Year last season after a prolific campaign, was omitted from Brugge's squad for their pre-season friendly against Heerenveen on Friday. Leko told DAZN that Tzolis is finalising his return to the Premier League, where he will join the champions following a previous stint with Norwich City.
Tzolis' Impressive Season and Move Details
Tzolis scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists last season, earning him the league's top individual honour. The 24-year-old is set to replace Leandro Trossard, who recently departed for Turkish side Besiktas. The deal is reportedly worth a base fee of £34 million, subject to a successful medical. Leko praised Tzolis' work ethic, stating: "It's one fantastic example, someone who was first coming on the training base, last training was like game for him, giving so much for his career. Then you get to go to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe, big thing for him, big thing for Club Brugge and big thing for Belgian football."
Leko's Emotional Farewell and Future Prospects
Leko expressed mixed emotions about the transfer: "On one side I'm very happy for him but very sad for me as we are losing a top player. I am convinced that he will have his minutes that he will show on highest level in Premier League and Champions League that he will show he's a top player and that he absolutely deserves to be there." He added: "Good lesson for all young boys: in football you need to work, stop talking, work, try to do everything to improve yourself day by day."
Arsenal's Additional Transfer Targets
Arsenal are also preparing to intensify their interest in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, with a formal approach expected. Additionally, the Gunners are monitoring Villa defender Ezri Konsa and Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, amid a back injury to William Saliba. Konsa has two years left on his contract, but a significant gap in valuation exists between Villa and Arsenal.
