Arsenal have verbally agreed a deal worth up to £34m (€40m) with Club Brugge to sign Christos Tzolis. The Greece international is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before signing a long-term contract with the Premier League champions.
The 24-year-old forward arrives as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard, who completed a £15.3m (€18m) move to Besiktas earlier this week. Tzolis, who typically operates on the left flank, enjoyed a prolific campaign last season, finding the net 22 times for the Belgian Pro League side. The former Norwich City player had previously attracted interest from Crystal Palace.
Defensive cover required
Despite securing Tzolis, Arsenal are urgently seeking defensive reinforcements due to concerns surrounding William Saliba. The France centre-back was forced off during Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain after his back issues flared up.
Saliba, 25, admitted during the tournament that he has been “gritting his teeth” while playing through pain. French media reports suggest surgery may be necessary, though Arsenal intend to perform their own assessment before determining the appropriate course of treatment. Should the defender face a lengthy lay-off, the club could step up their interest in Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa to provide cover.
World Cup workload worries
The fitness concerns extend beyond Saliba. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both been competing while carrying injuries throughout the World Cup. The pair are expected to be granted extended rest periods once England’s campaign concludes in Saturday’s third-place playoff against France.
Attack remains priority
While Tzolis fills the void left by Trossard’s departure, Arsenal continue to monitor several elite attackers. Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez is a long-term target, though competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona complicates that pursuit. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola are also under consideration, though Villa value Rogers in excess of £100m.
The Gunners have yet to submit an official written bid for Tzolis, but the verbal agreement suggests the transfer could be concluded swiftly once the medical is completed. Further additions are anticipated, particularly in defence, as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his squad ahead of the new season.