Why Arsenal are signing Christos Tzolis - and what £33m transfer means for Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola

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17 July 2026

Arsenal are not taking any huge risks with the signing of Christos Tzolis

Few had

Christos Tzolis

down as a potential

Arsenal

signing at the start of the summer.

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 scored 22 goals for

Club Brugge

in all competitions last season

BELGA/AFP via Getty Images

Arsenal still retain interest in more high-profile potential names. The decision to seriously pursue Tzolis is not expected to impact the club's ability to make a marquee signing alongside him.

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.

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

are monitoring, such as Rogers or Barcola.

Arsenal are keen to refresh their options on the left wing

and have made the first step with the sale of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas

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.

Mikel Arteta will be impressed by Christos Tzolis’ versatility

GettyImages

Bringing in Tzolis would fill the gap left by Trossard’s departure, while still leaving

with the space in the squad and the funds to make more of a statement signing as well.

A fee of £33.8m 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.

Arsenal close on £34m Tzolis deal to replace Trossard

The Football Faithful

Arsenal close in on Christos Tzolis after reaching verbal agreement with Club Brugge

caughtoffside

Arsenal agree deal to sign Leandro Trossard replacement

Football Today

Christos Tzolis: Arsenal agree second summer signing as £33.8m deal struck

Is Christos Tzolis ready for Arsenal and the Premier League?

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