Arsenal are on the verge of signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for up to £34m, moving swiftly to replace Leandro Trossard after his departure to Besiktas was confirmed this week – but concerns over William Saliba’s back injury threaten to overshadow their transfer business.
The Greece international, 24, is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days and sign a long-term contract after Arsenal verbally agreed to meet the Belgian club’s asking price of €40m (£34m). Tzolis, a former Norwich forward who usually plays on the left flank, scored 22 goals last season and was previously targeted by Crystal Palace. He will be a direct replacement for Trossard, who joined Besiktas for €18m (£15.3m) on a three-year deal with the option of a further year. The 31-year-old Belgium forward scored 36 goals and registered 34 assists in 174 appearances for the Gunners, helping them win last season’s Premier League title and starting in the Champions League final defeat by Paris St-Germain.
“Arsenal agree £34m deal for Christos Tzolis after selling Leandro Trossard, while William Saliba's back injury threatens start of season.”
While the Tzolis deal is separate from Arsenal’s interest in higher-profile attackers, the club retain a long-term interest in Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez – though Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keen – and view Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers as their preferred versatile option. Villa are thought to want more than £100m for Rogers, with PSG’s Bradley Barcola an alternative. Arsenal recruitment specialist Maurizio Micheli has also watched Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili, stepping up efforts to land the teenage attacker.
The urgency to secure defensive cover has grown after concerns that William Saliba could miss the start of the new season due to ongoing back issues. The France defender was taken off in the World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain on Tuesday after breaking down at the start of the second half. Saliba admitted during the tournament that he has been “gritting his teeth” and playing through pain, and reports in France suggest he may require back surgery. Arsenal intend to make their own assessment before deciding. The club have also expressed an interest in Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa as possible cover.
Further worries surround Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who both admitted playing through pain to be at the World Cup. They are expected to be given extended rests after Saturday’s third-place playoff against France.
