Tzolis joins Arsenal on long-term deal
Arsenal has announced the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for a fee of £34m. The 24-year-old Greece international has joined the Premier League champions on what the club describes as a “long-term contract.” This transfer fee marks a record for the Belgian Pro League.
Tzolis arrives in north London following the departure of Belgium forward Leandro Trossard, who moved to Besiktas in a £17m deal earlier this month. The Greek winger is seen as a replacement for Trossard, although Arsenal is reportedly still pursuing other attacking targets, including Bradley Barcola, after missing out on Morgan Rogers, who completed a £117m move to Chelsea.
Andrea Berta, Arsenal‘s sporting director, described Tzolis as an “extremely versatile attacking player” who primarily operates on the left but is comfortable across the entire front line. Berta highlighted Tzolis’s ability as an “excellent finisher with both feet,” his effectiveness in tight spaces, and his “incredible technical ability.”
Berta also noted Tzolis’s impressive statistics over the past three seasons, stating that he has produced “outstanding numbers in terms of goals and assists.” The sporting director expressed confidence that Tzolis will enhance the technical level of the squad and bring “positive energy, enthusiasm, and a strong mentality” to the team.
Player profile and recent performance
Tzolis told Arsenal‘s official website that he was excited about the move, stating, “It’s absolutely amazing to sign for such a big club, the champions of England.” He described himself as a direct player focused on goals or assists, emphasizing his hunger to score or provide the final pass for teammates, and his commitment to working hard defensively.
The Greek international previously made 30 appearances for Norwich City between 2021 and 2024, scoring three goals. During his time at Norwich, he had loan spells at Twente and Fortuna Dusseldorf before joining Club Brugge. Tzolis made his Premier League debut for Norwich in a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in September 2021.
His move to Arsenal comes after what has been described as the best season of his career. After struggling to make an impact at Norwich City, he rebuilt his career away from Carrow Road. He impressed during a loan spell in the 2023-24 season at German second-tier side Fortuna Dusseldorf, where he scored 24 goals in 35 games.
Following his time at Fortuna Dusseldorf, Tzolis moved to Club Brugge in 2024, quickly establishing himself as one of Belgium’s most productive attacking players. Last season, he was directly involved in a league-high 40 goals, scoring 17 times and providing 23 assists as Club Brugge were crowned league champions. His influence extended beyond direct goal contributions; he created more chances (135) than any other player in Belgium’s top flight and also recorded the most progressive carries (359) and successful dribbles (40).
Tzolis also demonstrated his ability against leading European clubs, scoring against Atalanta and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and registering an assist against Barcelona. He is predominantly a right-footed left winger but is comfortable across the front line and is also a set-piece specialist. Of the 135 chances he created in the Belgian Pro League during the 2025-26 campaign, 52 came from dead-ball situations.
Despite Trossard having more goal involvements in last season’s Champions League for Arsenal, Tzolis produced almost twice as many chances (13 to seven) and completed more passes in the final third (138 to 80). Tzolis, who has nine goals in 34 games for the Greece national side, will wear the No 17 shirt for Arsenal.
Similarities to Trossard and upcoming fixtures
According to Sky Sports News, a closer look at Tzolis’s profile reveals similarities to Trossard. Both players are wingers who can also operate as a No 10. Hayk Milkon, who was Club Brugge‘s assistant manager during Tzolis’s time there, noted that Tzolis is strong when starting wide and moving inside, and is most effective closer to the goal.
Another similarity highlighted is their availability. Trossard had a strong injury record at Arsenal, missing only four matches in three-and-a-half years, all in his final season. Tzolis has a similar record at Club Brugge, with his longest sideline period being two matches, despite being a highly energetic player. Milkon described Tzolis as a player who works hard and runs many kilometres, maintaining stable performances even when playing every three or four days with Champions League commitments.
A final comparison between the two players is their temperament, driven by a desire to win. Mikel Arteta once affectionately called Trossard “a bit of a moaner” due to his constant complaining. Tzolis’s former coach identified “emotional stability” as an area for improvement for the Greek forward.
Arsenal‘s first five matches of the Premier League season include a home game against Coventry on August 21, an away match against Aston Villa on August 31, a home fixture against Chelsea on September 6, and away games against Sunderland on September 12 and Brighton on September 19.
Tzolis had a “nice conversation” with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, discussing the club, his plans, and the team.
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Source: bbc.com
