Few had Christos Tzolis down as a potential Arsenal signing at the start of the summer. It is no secret that Mikel Arteta wants to add more goals and threat to his attacking options. The Gunners are eyeing more than one signing to bolster those options, and the likes of Bradley Barcola and Morgan Rogers are among those being considered. Andrea Berta makes enquiries for a large number of players when putting together a shortlist, before then narrowing his focus and intensifying discussions with clubs.
Christos Tzolis’ Impressive Season
Checks have been made for Club Brugge winger Tzolis, and it is understood that the 24-year-old would be available for a fee in the region of £35 million. Tzolis was named the Belgian Pro League player of the season after a remarkable campaign in which he scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists. He has scored more than 20 goals in both of his seasons in Belgium, after earning a move following an impressive loan spell at Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Why Do Arsenal Want Tzolis?
Tzolis has experience of both England and the Premier League from his time at Norwich, though he failed to score in 14 top-flight matches in the 2021-22 season. The Greek winger has developed significantly since then. He has played primarily on the left but has also had minutes for Brugge on the right and even through the middle. That versatility appeals to Arteta, who is particularly keen on players who add an unpredictable edge to his options.
Signing Tzolis would also be a more simple transfer than some of the other players Arsenal are monitoring, such as Rogers or Barcola. Tzolis would be very keen to join the Gunners, and personal terms would not be expected to be an issue. Club Brugge are open to selling for the right price.
Impact on Summer Transfer Plans
Arsenal are keen to refresh their options on the left wing, and both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have uncertain futures at the club. The pair are out of contract next summer as it stands, though the Gunners do have the option to extend Martinelli's deal by a further 12 months. Bringing in Tzolis would fill the gap left by a potential departure there, while still leaving Arsenal with the space in the squad and the funds to make more of a statement signing as well.
Trossard has been strongly linked with Besiktas, and if he does leave Arsenal this summer, Tzolis makes sense as a replacement. He is similarly two-footed but offers more pace than Trossard and is seven years younger. If he can convert his form in Belgium to the Premier League, Tzolis also offers a real goal threat.
A fee of £35 million in this market is not a huge risk. Breathing new life into Arteta's attacking options while leaving room to still move for the club's first-choice targets could prove to be smart business.
