Christos Tzolis has completed a £34m move to Arsenal — a return to the Premier League for a player who once struggled at Norwich City but rebuilt his career to become one of Belgium's most productive attacking players.
The Greece international, 24, signed a five-year contract with the Premier League champions, who described him as an "extremely versatile attacking player". He arrives as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas earlier this month.
“Arsenal sign Greece forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m as their third summer signing.”
Tzolis scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists in 108 appearances for Club Brugge, and was directly involved in a league-high 40 goals last season — 17 goals and 23 assists — as Brugge won the title. He also created more chances (135) than any other player in Belgium's top flight, recorded the most progressive carries (359) and successful dribbles (40).
Arsenal's move for Tzolis comes 48 hours after they missed out on Morgan Rogers, who signed for Chelsea in a British-record £117m deal. The Greek is the club's third permanent signing of the summer, following Piero Hincapié — who turned his loan permanent — and goalkeeper Illan Meslier, a free signing from Leeds.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said: "Christos is an extremely versatile attacking player who naturally operates on the left but is comfortable across the front line. He's an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability."
Tzolis, who made his Premier League debut for Norwich in a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in September 2021, said he had a "nice conversation" with Mikel Arteta. "We talked about everything — about the club, about myself, about his plans, about me of course, about the team," he said. "It was only positive things. I'm a direct player, I go for goals or assists."
His arrival is a welcome boost for Arteta after defender William Saliba was ruled out for an "extensive period" with a back problem that curtailed his World Cup. Tzolis lined up against Arsenal in a 3-0 Champions League defeat in December, but has also scored against Atalanta and Atletico Madrid in Europe's top competition.
"I need some time to realise it, I think," Tzolis said. "It's absolutely amazing to sign for such a big club, the champions of England. I'm very proud to be part of this team for the next season."