It’s been a quiet summer at the Emirates. But that’s about to change.
Arsenal are on the verge of confirming the signing of Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in a deal worth €40 million (approximately £34m). The 24-year-old was reportedly in London on Tuesday to finalise his medical and complete the paperwork. If everything goes to plan, an official announcement could land as early as Wednesday, July 23.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs signed an agreement last week, with Brugge authorising the medical after their asking price was met. Perhaps the most telling detail? Tzolis turned down interest from several other clubs. He only wanted Arsenal.
From Norwich Flop to Belgian Pro League MVP
Tzolis’s path to the Emirates hasn’t been straightforward. After bursting onto the scene at PAOK Thessaloniki — where he scored 16 goals with 10 assists across all competitions in 2020/21 — he earned a £10.8 million move to Norwich City.
It didn’t work out. The Premier League proved brutal.
He managed just 30 appearances over two seasons at Carrow Road, with loan spells at FC Twente and Fortuna Dusseldorf in between. Norwich eventually sold him to Club Brugge for a reported €6 million in 2024.
That’s where the revival started.
In 2025/26, Tzolis produced one of the standout individual seasons in Belgian football history:
- 17 goals and 23 assists in 36 Pro League appearances
- 22 goals and 29 assists across all competitions (51 matches)
- Named Belgian Pro League Player of the Season
- Helped Brugge win the league title and Belgian Super Cup
His goal involvement rate of 1.17 per 90 minutes ranked among the best in Europe. At 24, he’s entering his prime years — and he knows it.
“I feel like I have the momentum. I could play another match tomorrow,” Tzolis told Belgian outlet HLN after winning the league. “I love statistics and I am proud of my numbers from this season.”
Filling Trossard’s Boots
The timing makes sense. Arsenal confirmed Leandro Trossard’s departure to Besiktas earlier this month in a deal worth around €20 million. The Belgian left after three and a half years at the Emirates, having played a role in their title-winning campaign.
Trossard’s exit leaves a clear vacancy on the left side of Arteta’s attack.
Tzolis is seen as his direct replacement, though he won’t be expected to walk straight into the starting lineup. Gabriel Martinelli still occupies the left wing spot, although reports suggest his position is under scrutiny too.
What Tzolis does bring is versatility and a relentless work ethic.
Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko confirmed the departure by leaving Tzolis out of a pre-season friendly against Heerenveen. His praise for the departing winger was sincere.
“Every training was like a game for him, giving so much for his career, and then you get the reward to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe,” Leko told DAZN.
He added: “I am convinced that he will have his minutes, that he will show some highest level in the Premier League and Champions League at Arsenal.”
Where Does Tzolis Fit in the Bigger Picture?
This signing is part of a broader summer strategy at Arsenal. The Gunners have already made Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen permanent and signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United. Tzolis will be the third senior addition.
But Arsenal’s business isn’t done.
They’re still pursuing Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, though the £80-85 million asking price remains a sticking point. The club also missed out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea in a record-breaking £117 million move from Aston Villa.
There’s also defensive cover to sort. William Saliba’s injury has pushed Arsenal to explore a move for Manchester City’s John Stones.
For now, though, Tzolis’s arrival represents a smart, calculated piece of business. He’s young. He’s hungry. He’s proven he can produce at a high level — even if the Premier League chewed him up the first time around.
Can he succeed where he once struggled? That’s the question Arsenal fans will be asking. The numbers from Belgium suggest he’s a completely different player to the teenager who couldn’t crack it at Norwich. And with Arteta’s coaching behind him, the ingredients are there.
The announcement could come any day now. Arsenal’s summer has finally started to heat up.
