Ben White has revealed that new Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis "beat everyone" in pre-season testing as the winger makes an immediate impression at the Premier League champions.
Transfer details
Arsenal agreed a £34million deal with Club Brugge for the 24-year-old Greece international, who arrives to fill the void left by Leandro Trossard's departure to Besiktas. Tzolis, formerly of Norwich, scored 21 goals and registered 28 assists in 45 appearances during two years in Belgian football. He has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2031.
Debut goal against Girona
Fans got their first glimpse of Tzolis in an Arsenal shirt this weekend as Mikel Arteta's side began their pre-season schedule with a 4-1 victory over Girona. The left winger started in Spain and impressed from the outset, causing problems for the opposition defence and scoring his first goal for the club to double Arsenal's lead on the half-hour mark.
Arteta and Havertz praise
"I'm very pleased with him," Arteta said of Tzolis' strong start. "First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team. The connection he's already generated with the boys. I think you're going to love the player. He's a very direct player. He's got the ball between the eyes. I think really good at linking up. He has a lot of similarities with Leo in a lot of the things that he can do and the spaces he can occupy. And then the work ethic that he has. He's a boy that comes with so much hunger as well and wants to prove it. It's a dream for him and we are here to help him."
Kai Havertz was equally complimentary about his new team-mate, saying his "quality" was obvious from the opening minute. "I think you saw his quality from the first minute," the Germany forward told Arsenal's official website. "I mean, I saw it already a couple of years ago when I saw him playing in Germany. He's a top guy and a top player, we're all very glad to have him here."
White's verdict
Ben White added: "Christos has been amazing. He came in, did all the testing, and beat everyone. So he is fitting in really well and everyone is really happy for him to be here."
What's next for Arsenal
Tzolis will look to build on his debut on Wednesday when Arsenal face Real Betis in Dublin. Arteta's men then return to the Emirates for a double-header against Borussia Dortmund and Como before their Community Shield meeting with Manchester City on August 16. The north London club start their Premier League title defence five days later at home to newly promoted Coventry City.
