Christos Tzolis is joining Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a transfer agreement with Club Brugge for winger Christos Tzolis. The forward, who previously spent time at Norwich City as a youngster, is poised to finalise his permanent switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Tzolis for some time and upped the ante in a pursuit for the Greece international following Leandro Trossard’s transfer to Besiktas. The Belgian international, who won the league with Arsenal last seaoson, moved to Turkey for £18m, allowing the reigning champions to pursue Tzolis.
As per The Athletic, the transfer is in the latter stages, with personal terms having already been agreed between the player and the club. The fee will be a straight £34m purchase, with Tzolis penning a long-term deal with the north Londoners.
Tzolis had been attracting attention from other big-name suitors, but he made it clear Arsenal was his priotiy, with the Emirates Stadium outfit moving to secure his signature. It isn’t expected to impact Arsenal’s chase for Morgan Rogers, with Andrea Berta keen to land the England star following the Three Lions’ exit from the World Cup.
Arsenal are said to have originally looked at Juventus prospect Kenan Yildiz, but the Serie A side knocked back their approach for the Turkish winger. Instead, Arteta and co. turned their attention elsewhere, with Tzolis ending up as their preffered choice.
It comes after Tzolis, who had been tied down until June 2029, had an outstanding season with the Belgian club. He produced a remarkable tally of 22 goals and 29 assists across 51 matches in 2025/26, including strikes against Atalanta and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Crystal Palace had expressed strong interest in acquiring Tzolis last summer following Eberechi Eze’s departure to Arsenal. Yet they were unable to meet the asking price and ultimately secured Yeremy Pino from Villarreal instead.
His initial stint in England came in 2020 when he joined Norwich from PAOK, though he failed to establish himself during his 30 outings for the Canaries. Loan spells with FC Twente and Fortuna Dusseldorf followed before he signed for the German outfit in January 2024.
Christos Tzolis is on the verge of signing for Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Tzolis subsequently transferred to Brugge merely six months later, where he truly flourished. He has earned 34 caps for Greece, netting nine goals for the Euro 2004 winners.
Tzolis represents Arteta’s third summer acquisition, after Piero Hincapie’s loan arrangement was converted into a permanent deal and free agent Ilan Meslier arrived following his release from Leeds United. The Spaniard is anticipated to pursue further significant transfers this summer as he aims to retain their crown, having broken a 22-year drought for league glory.
One of the key figures in their title-winning campaign has already confirmed his exit, with Arsenal announcing Trossard’s departure earlier this week. In a statement, they said: “We can confirm that we have reached an agreement with Besiktas for the permanent transfer of Leandro Trossard.
“With a transfer fee agreed, Leo, 31, has been granted permission to travel to Istanbul to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of his move to the Turkish Super Lig club. We will provide a further update once the transfer has been completed.”
Tzolis is now anticipated to finalise his switch, pending a medical and the signing of his contract. Should everything proceed smoothly, he could link up with his new teammates in time for Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures, which kick off against Girona on 1st August.