Christos Tzolis, the new £34 million signing for Arsenal, has expressed his determination to emulate his childhood hero Alexis Sanchez, stating "now it's my time" to prove himself in the Premier League. The 24-year-old winger joins the Gunners from Club Bruges, where he recorded 40 goal contributions in 36 league appearances last season. This move marks a significant shift from his previous experience in England with Norwich City five years ago.
Tzolis struggled to establish himself at Norwich and subsequently went on loan spells to FC Twente and Fortuna Dusseldorf before moving to Belgium. He believes he is a transformed player now, better prepared for the demands of top-flight English football. "It was totally different than now," Tzolis said. "The team I think was not really ready for the Premier League and that makes it also difficult for me to adapt and to play how I could."
He views his time at Norwich as a period of learning, despite the difficulties. "I have three years in a row that I'm important for my teams and I have a big role in an attacking part. And I feel now more ready to be in the Premier League. Now I have the chance to play for Arsenal. For me, I think I did the right decision after Norwich. I developed myself, I improved a lot. I’m not the same player I was in Norwich, 100 per cent. I feel it also in my body and also in my mindset. Now it’s my time to show that I’m ready and capable of playing in the Premier League."
Tzolis made an immediate impact in his Arsenal debut against Girona, scoring his first goal for the club. The goal came after he cut inside from the left and fired a shot that deflected in off Kai Havertz.
The winger will wear the No. 17 shirt, previously worn by Sanchez, whom he admires. "Of course, I watched a lot of football and he was a top player for Arsenal, as a left winger always. He’s one of the players I looked up to when I was younger. And also, I see some similarities with him. But it’s not the reason I took the number 17. It’s nice (though). Alexis Sanchez had number 17 — so I hope I will have the same success."
Teammate Ben White has noted Tzolis's quick integration, particularly his performance in fitness tests. "Christos has been amazing. He came in, did all the testing, and beat everyone. So he is fitting in really well and everyone is really happy for him to be here," White remarked.
Tzolis confirmed his competitive spirit, adding, "I know I've won so far. There are not all the players here. There are still some players that have to do the tests, of course. But so far I'm first in the fitness test." He attributed his readiness to starting pre-season training early with Club Bruges and maintaining his fitness during the summer break.