Arsenal’s new £34m signing Christos Tzolis made his first appearance for the club in a 3-0 training match victory over MK Dons, with teenage forward Ethan Nwaneri among the scorers.
The behind-closed-doors friendly marked the Greek international’s introduction to Mikel Arteta’s squad, just days after arriving from Club Brugge on a long-term contract. The Premier League champions moved for the 24-year-old following the departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas earlier this month.
“Arsenal sign Christos Tzolis for £34m; Greek forward makes debut in 3-0 training win over MK Dons.”
Tzolis, described by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta as “an extremely versatile attacking player”, has rebuilt a career that began quietly at Norwich City. After 30 appearances and three goals for the Canaries, including a Premier League debut in a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in September 2021, he endured loans at Twente and Fortuna Dusseldorf before joining Club Brugge in 2024.
His form in Belgium was transformative. In 108 appearances he scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists, with last season his finest: directly involved in a league-high 40 goals – 17 goals and 23 assists – as Club Brugge won the title. He also created a league-leading 135 chances, recorded 359 progressive carries and 40 successful dribbles, and scored against Atalanta and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
“Christos is an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability,” Berta said. “He will raise the technical level of our squad, while bringing positive energy, enthusiasm, and a strong mentality.”
Tzolis said he had a “nice conversation” with Arteta before joining. “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. That’s my point of view as an attacker.”
The forward’s arrival adds depth to an attack that already includes Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and new signings. With Nwaneri also impressing in the training fixture, Arsenal’s attacking options look formidable as they prepare for a pre-season test against Girona.