Arsenal agree £34m deal for Christos Tzolis as Premier League champions replace Leandro Trossard

Arsenal have moved swiftly to strengthen their attack after agreeing a deal with Club Brugge to sign Greek international Christos Tzolis in a transfer worth £34 million, according to Sky Sports News.

The fee represents a new Belgian Pro League transfer record, underlining just how highly Arsenal rate the 24-year-old winger, who is expected to replace Leandro Trossard following the Belgian's £17 million move to Besiktas earlier this week.

Arsenal move quickly after Trossard departure

The Premier League champions wasted little time finding a successor after Trossard's exit.

While Arsenal continue to monitor Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, Sky Sports understands the pursuit of Tzolis is an entirely separate deal rather than an alternative.

Club Brugge accepted Arsenal's £34 million offer after negotiations progressed rapidly, with sources indicating the player immediately prioritized a move to the Emirates once he learned of Mikel Arteta's interest.

Despite attracting attention from several clubs across Europe, Tzolis reportedly made it clear Arsenal was his preferred destination.

A record-breaking transfer

The transfer will become the most expensive sale in Belgian Pro League history, highlighting the remarkable rise of Tzolis over the past two seasons.

After struggling during his spell at Norwich City earlier in his career, the Greek international rebuilt his reputation in Belgium, emerging as one of Europe's most productive attacking players.

Last season alone, he produced astonishing numbers:

• 17 league goals

• 23 league assists

• 40 goal contributions in just 36 league matches

His performances also impressed on the Champions League stage, including appearances against Arsenal during last season's competition.

Why Arsenal wanted Tzolis

Those who worked closely with Tzolis believe his versatility made him the perfect replacement for Trossard.

Former Club Brugge assistant coach Hayk Milkon described him as a player capable of operating in several attacking positions.

Although naturally a left winger, Tzolis is equally comfortable playing as a No. 10 or drifting into central areas behind the striker.

"He's strongest when he starts from the left and attacks inside," Milkon explained.

"He can stay wide and beat defenders one-on-one, but the closer he gets to goal, the more dangerous he becomes."

His tactical flexibility fits perfectly into Arteta's fluid attacking system, where wide forwards are expected to interchange positions throughout matches.

Elite work rate and durability

Another quality Arsenal greatly admire is Tzolis' exceptional fitness record.

Like Trossard, the Greek rarely misses matches through injury.

During his time at Club Brugge, his longest absence lasted only two games despite playing every three or four days across domestic and European competitions.

Milkon praised his physical output.

"He covers huge distances every game, sprints constantly and maintains the same intensity whether it's once a week or every three days in the Champions League."

That reliability is expected to be particularly valuable as Arsenal compete across multiple competitions again this season.

A competitive personality

Tzolis also arrives with the mentality Arteta values.

His former coaches admit the winger can become frustrated when things are not going his way, a trait they believe comes from an intense desire to win.

Former Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard was known inside the club for constantly demanding more from teammates and officials during matches.

According to Milkon, Tzolis possesses a similar competitive edge, although improving his emotional control remains one area for development.

Arsenal continue ambitious rebuild

The signing represents another statement of intent from the reigning Premier League champions.

While replacing Trossard was considered a priority, Arsenal remain active in the transfer market as they continue searching for further attacking reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.

With Tzolis expected to join the squad before the start of the season, Arteta will add another versatile, productive attacker capable of strengthening an already formidable frontline.