Arsenal have completed the £34m signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, with the Greece international signing a five-year contract as Mikel Arteta bolsters his attack following Leandro Trossard’s departure to Besiktas.
The 24-year-old, described by sporting director Andrea Berta as “an extremely versatile attacking player”, arrives on the back of a stunning season in Belgium. Tzolis scored 17 goals and provided 23 assists as Club Brugge won the league, directly contributing to a league-high 40 goals. He also created 135 chances, the most in Belgium’s top flight, and recorded 40 successful dribbles.
“Arsenal sign Greece forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m on a five-year deal”
“Christos naturally operates on the left but is comfortable across the frontline,” Berta said. “He’s an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability. … He will raise the technical level of our squad while bringing positive energy, enthusiasm and a strong mentality.”
Tzolis, who previously played for Norwich City, struggled in the Premier League with three goals in 30 appearances before rebuilding his career at Fortuna Düsseldorf and then Club Brugge. He said he had a “nice conversation” with Arteta. “We talked about everything – about the club, about myself, about his plans, about me … It was only positive things,” Tzolis said. “I’m a direct player, I go for goals or assists.”
The move comes 48 hours after Arsenal missed out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea for a British-record £117m. Tzolis is the Gunners’ third permanent signing of the summer, following Piero Hincapié and goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The announcement offers a welcome boost for Arteta after defender William Saliba was ruled out for an “extensive period” with a back problem.
“It’s absolutely amazing to sign for such a big club, the champions of England,” Tzolis said. “I’m very proud to be part of this team for the next season.”
For a player who once made his Premier League debut in a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in September 2021, the return to north London represents a remarkable turnaround. Now he must prove he can deliver against Europe’s leading clubs – he has already scored against Atalanta and Atletico Madrid – in an Arsenal shirt.