Arsenal have moved quickly to secure a replacement for Leandro Trossard, agreeing a deal worth up to €40m (£34m) with Club Brugge for Greece international Christos Tzolis, while the club faces fresh concerns over William Saliba’s back injury that could rule him out of the start of the new season.
Trossard’s departure to Besiktas was confirmed this week for €18m (£15.3m), the Belgian forward signing a three-year contract with the Turkish side after helping Arsenal win last season’s Premier League title. The 31-year-old, who scored 36 goals in 174 appearances for the Gunners, was given permission to travel to Istanbul for a medical once the fee – paid in six equal instalments – was agreed.
“Arsenal agree £34m deal for Christos Tzolis after Trossard joins Besiktas, and seek defensive cover due to William Saliba's back injury.”
Arsenal’s answer is Christos Tzolis, the 24-year-old former Norwich winger who scored 22 goals last season. A verbal agreement has been reached with Club Brugge, and the player is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before signing a long-term contract. The club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been working on the deal after his assistant Maurizio Micheli watched Tzolis play for Greece against Sweden last month. Crystal Palace had previously shown interest in the forward.
The urgency in the market extends beyond attack. William Saliba had to be taken off in the World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain after breaking down at the start of the second half, having admitted he has been “gritting his teeth” and playing through a back injury for some time. Reports in France suggest he may require back surgery, but Arsenal intend to make their own assessment before deciding on the next step. The club will step up attempts to sign defensive cover, with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa among the options considered.
Arsenal retain a long-term interest in Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, although Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keen. Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa remains the preferred choice for a versatile forward, but Villa are thought to want more than £100m for the England international. Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola is the alternative. Arsenal recruitment specialist Micheli has also watched Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili in Champions League qualifying, indicating the club is casting its net wide.
Meanwhile, concerns over Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka’s fitness have emerged after both admitted playing through pain to be at the World Cup. They are expected to be given extended rests following Saturday’s third-place playoff against France, but the Premier League champions face a delicate balancing act as they prepare for a new season without key players fully fit.
