Arsenal have completed the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for a fee of £34m. The 24-year-old Greece international joins the Premier League champions on a long-term contract. This transfer follows the departure of Belgium forward Leandro Trossard to Besiktas earlier this month.
Tzolis, described as an “extremely versatile attacking player,” scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists in 108 appearances for Club Brugge. He is primarily a left-sided player but can operate across the front line. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta highlighted Tzolis’s finishing ability with both feet, his comfort in tight spaces, and his technical skill.
Impact and Playing Style
During his final season at Club Brugge, Tzolis contributed to 40 goals, helping the team secure the league title. Journalist Tomas Taecke, who covers Club Brugge, noted Tzolis’s strong performances in the Champions’ play-offs, where the top six sides compete for the championship. Taecke stated that Tzolis has “incredible numbers in those games,” particularly when the season reaches its crucial stages.
Tzolis’s former assistant manager at Club Brugge, Hayk Milkon, described him as a player who is strongest when starting wide on the left and then moving more centrally to attack space. Milkon also highlighted Tzolis’s work rate, noting his ability to cover many kilometres at high speeds consistently, even when playing every three or four days.
Tzolis himself commented on his playing style, stating, “I’m a direct player, I go for goals or assists. That’s my point of view as an attacker, as a winger.” He also mentioned his commitment to working hard for the team, including defensive duties. Tzolis had a conversation with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, discussing the club, his plans, and the team.
Career History and Temperament
Before joining Club Brugge, Tzolis started his career at PAOK. He also made 30 appearances for Norwich between 2021 and 2024, scoring three goals. During his time at Norwich, he had loan spells at Twente and Fortuna Dusseldorf. He made his Premier League debut for Norwich in a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in September 2021.
The transfer fee of £34m for Tzolis is understood to be a record for the Belgian Pro League. He is seen as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard, who moved to Besiktas in a £17m deal. Similar to Trossard, Tzolis has maintained a strong injury record, with his longest period on the sidelines at Club Brugge being two matches.
Milkon also touched upon Tzolis’s temperament, identifying “emotional stability” as an area for improvement. This characteristic draws a comparison to Trossard, whom Mikel Arteta once affectionately called “a bit of a moaner” due to his constant complaining in training and to referees. Tzolis’s contributions extend beyond the pitch, as he was noted for fostering a positive atmosphere in the Club Brugge dressing room and organizing a team trip to the coast.
Arsenal’s first five matches of the Premier League season include a home game against Coventry on 21 August, an away fixture against Aston Villa on 31 August, and a home match against Chelsea on 6 September.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
