Arsenal sign Greece winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in long-term deal to replace Trossard

Arsenal have completed the signing of Greece international winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge on a long-term contract, with the 24-year-old recruited to fill the gap left by Leandro Trossard ahead of the new season.

The Premier League champions confirmed on Thursday that Tzolis has joined from the Belgian side and will wear the number 17 shirt at Emirates Stadium. He has already started training with his new team-mates, although the move remains subject to the completion of final regulatory processes.

Tzolis, who operates primarily on the left flank but can play across the front line, arrives after a prolific spell in Belgium, where he scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists in 108 appearances in all competitions for Club Brugge. His performances established him as one of the standout players in the Belgian top flight.

Arsenal have not disclosed the transfer fee or contract length, in keeping with their usual policy, but British newspaper The Sun reported that Tzolis has signed a deal running until 2031, with the move costing the club £35m.

Replacement for Trossard

Tzolis has been brought in as a direct replacement for Belgium winger Leandro Trossard, who left Arsenal earlier in the summer transfer window to join Turkish club Besiktas.

The Greek forward’s ability to contribute both goals and assists was a key factor in Arsenal’s pursuit, with the club keen to maintain attacking depth and quality across all competitions following Trossard’s departure.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta welcomed the signing, emphasising the versatility and end product Tzolis brings to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

“Christos is an attacking player who can operate in multiple positions,” Berta said. “He is comfortable on the left wing and across the front line, and he has excellent finishing qualities and great skill in tight spaces.”

Berta added that Tzolis’ numbers in recent seasons underline his impact in the final third.

“He has produced impressive goals and assists over the last three seasons,” he continued. “We believe he will raise the technical level of the team and bring energy and a strong mentality to the dressing room.”

Rise through PAOK and Norwich

Tzolis began his professional career with PAOK Thessaloniki, having first attracted attention in the club’s youth ranks by scoring 20 goals in 27 matches. He was promoted to the first team in 2020 and quickly became an important figure.

In the 2020-21 campaign, he played a key role in PAOK’s Greek Cup triumph in 2021, scoring five goals in four appearances in that competition as the club lifted the trophy.

His performances in Greece earned him a move to England with Norwich City. Tzolis made an immediate impression at Carrow Road, scoring twice and registering two assists on his debut against Bournemouth in the EFL Cup.

He later spent loan spells with Twente in the Netherlands and Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany, periods which were seen as important in his development and refinement at senior level.

Success in Belgium

Tzolis joined Club Brugge in the summer of 2024 and quickly became a regular starter. He helped the club win the Belgian Cup in 2025 and played a significant part in their title-winning campaign in the 2025-26 Belgian Pro League season.

His consistency and influence saw him named Belgian league Player of the Season in two consecutive campaigns, recognition of his strong performances both domestically and in European competitions.

International pedigree

On the international stage, Tzolis has represented Greece at every youth age group before making his senior debut in October 2020. He has gone on to win 34 caps for the national team to date.

His international experience and form at club level were key factors for Arsenal as they looked to strengthen their attacking options for the coming season.