Arsenal has completed the signing of Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Bruges in a deal reportedly worth £34 million. The 24-year-old joins the Premier League champions after a prolific spell in the Belgian Pro League and a prior stint with Norwich City.
Tzolis recorded an impressive 40 goal contributions, with 17 goals and 23 assists, in 36 league appearances for Club Bruges last season. This output garnered attention from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. His performance on loan at Bundesliga 2 side Fortuna Dusseldorf also saw him achieve 34 goal contributions in 37 games.
Comparisons have been drawn between Tzolis and Leandro Trossard, who recently transferred to Besiktas. Both players have experience in the Belgian Pro League, possess goal-scoring ability, and are described as fast and adaptable attackers. Tzolis, like Trossard, is primarily a winger but can also operate as an attacking midfielder.
Hayk Milkon, former assistant manager at Club Bruges, noted Tzolis's versatility, stating he is strongest when starting wide on the left and cutting inside, or when positioned closer to goal. He is capable of taking on one-on-one situations and attacking space effectively.
Another similarity between the two players is their availability. Trossard had a strong record of fitness during his time at Arsenal, and Tzolis missed only two matches due to injury across his two seasons with Club Bruges.
Tzolis is two-footed but often cuts inside from the left onto his right foot, offering creative passes or direct attacks on goal. His shooting efficiency and unpredictability in whether he stays wide or cuts inside are seen as potential assets that could cause problems for opposing defenses.
Arsenal has identified improving goal contributions from its wingers as a priority. Last season, no Arsenal wide attacker reached double figures in the Premier League, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring only one league goal. The left-wing position is seen as open for competition.
The Belgian Pro League, where Tzolis excelled, is ranked as the eighth strongest league globally by Opta's Power Rankings, one place below the English Championship. There is an expectation that Tzolis will need time to adapt to the Premier League.
Tzolis faces the challenge of proving his statistical success in Belgium can translate to the higher level of English football. He has also scored nine goals in 34 appearances for the Greek national team.
Arsenal's pursuit of attacking reinforcements is expected to continue, with reported interest in players such as Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa, and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain. The club hopes Tzolis can become a long-term successor to a key attacking player.