Arsenal have confirmed the £34m signing of Greece international Christos Tzolis, their third addition of the summer window, as fears grow over William Saliba’s back problem.
The 23-year-old winger joins from Dutch side FC Twente on a five-year deal, bolstering Mikel Arteta’s attacking options ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The move, completed on Thursday, takes Arsenal’s spending this window beyond £100m after earlier deals for midfielder Martin Zubimendi and defender Jorrel Hato.
“Arsenal sign Christos Tzolis for £34m as William Saliba faces extended layoff with back injury.”
But the good news was tempered by an update on Saliba, who will be sidelined for an extended period to manage an ongoing back issue. The France international’s absence leaves a significant hole in central defence, with Arteta now under pressure to show more efficiency in the market before the deadline.
Elsewhere in the capital, Crystal Palace have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for Axel Disasi, with the Blues pursuing a swap that would bring Maxence Lacroix to Stamford Bridge. The French defender, also a target for several European clubs, is free to leave after falling down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have named their squad for the pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia, with new signings Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke included. Guglielmo Vicario was left behind as he continues his recovery from a broken ankle, while Ange Postecoglou experiments with two different teams in the opening friendly.
Bruno Guimarães remains a target for Manchester City, though Newcastle are yet to receive a formal bid. Eduardo Camavinga has been linked with Manchester United, but no official approach has been made to Real Madrid.
With the window closing on 1 September, clubs are racing to finalise their business. Arsenal’s next move could define their season — if Saliba’s absence forces a late defensive signing, the Tzolis capture may be just the beginning.