Christos Tzolis wants to be an Arsenal player. And now, the Gunners are ready to make it happen.
According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, the Greece international has told Arsenal he’s keen to move to the Emirates. That green light has pushed the club to speed up negotiations with Club Brugge. With Leandro Trossard’s departure to Beşiktaş now confirmed, the left-wing slot in Mikel Arteta’s squad needs filling — and Tzolis looks increasingly like the man for the job.
Why Tzolis? The Numbers Speak for Themselves
If you haven’t been watching the Belgian Pro League closely, you’d be forgiven for not knowing Tzolis. But the stats tell a compelling story.
The 24-year-old delivered 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions last season. That’s 51 direct goal contributions. In the league alone, he registered 17 goals and 23 assists in 36 games — enough to earn him the 2025–26 Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year award.
He didn’t just pad numbers in domestic play either. Tzolis scored twice and added an assist in nine Champions League appearances for Brugge. He carried them through the Play-Offs with eight goals in ten matches. For a winger, that’s elite-level output.
Here’s what makes him interesting to Arsenal specifically:
- He’s right-footed but plays on the left, a profile Arteta loves for his inverted winger system.
- He’s 24, entering his peak years.
- His contract runs until 2029, meaning Brugge held all the cards — until the player made his preference clear.
His previous Premier League spell at Norwich in 2021–22 was forgettable. Three goals in 30 appearances hardly screamed future title contender. But Tzolis has reinvented himself since then. A prolific loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he scored 22 goals in the 2. Bundesliga, restarted his trajectory entirely. Two outstanding seasons at Club Brugge followed, and suddenly, he’s Belgium’s best player.
What’s the Deal Going to Cost?
The fee is expected to land between £30 million and £35 million, depending on how the deal is structured. FootballTransfers reports the figure could reach around €41 million, which would make Tzolis the most expensive Greek player in history — surpassing Konstantinos Manolas’ €36 million move to Napoli back in 2019.
That’s a reasonable price in today’s market for a player with his production. Club Brugge rejected a €40 million bid from Crystal Palace last summer, insisting Tzolis wasn’t for sale at any price. This time around, things are different. Brugge are reportedly willing to sell.
Tzolis himself hinted at his ambitions earlier this year. Speaking to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad in May, he said a move would have to be to a Champions League club from one of Europe’s top leagues. Arsenal tick every box on that list.
The Bigger Picture at Arsenal
Here’s the crucial detail: this deal won’t block Arsenal’s other moves. Jacobs confirmed that Tzolis’ arrival has no impact on the club’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring Bradley Barcola at PSG, though his €150 million price tag makes that one considerably harder.
Think of Tzolis as the Trossard replacement — the reliable squad player who knows where the goal is. Trossard leaves after 174 appearances and 36 goals. His departure to Beşiktaş in a deal worth up to €20 million closes a chapter at the Emirates, but it also frees both wages and a spot on the left flank.
Arsenal have already signed Piero Hincapié and Illan Meslier this summer. Adding Tzolis would be their third piece of business — practical, smart, and far from glamorous. But that’s exactly the kind of signing that wins titles. Not every addition needs a dramatic saga. Sometimes, a 24-year-old who scored 22 goals last season and is desperate to join your club is exactly what you need.
The deal feels close. Don’t be surprised if it’s wrapped up before pre-season training begins in earnest.
