Christos Tzolis: Arsenal sign Club Brugge winger in €40m deal on five-year contract

Arsenal have completed the signing of Greece international winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in a deal worth €40m on a five-year contract.

The 24-year-old, who has been handed the number 17 shirt, joins the Premier League champions after a prolific season in Belgium, where he scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists to help Club Brugge win the Belgian league title.

Tzolis arrives as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard, who has left Arsenal to join Besiktas.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said: “We are delighted to complete the signing of Christos Tzolis. He is a very versatile attacking player, who naturally plays on the left side but is comfortable across the entire frontline. He is an excellent attacker with both feet, stands out in tight spaces and has outstanding technical quality.”

Tzolis, speaking to the club’s official website, admitted the move will take time to sink in.

“I need some time to realise it, I think! It’s really amazing to sign for such a big club, the champions of England. I’m very proud to be part of this team for the coming season,” he said.

“I’m a direct player, I look to score goals or create them. That’s my view as a forward, as a winger. I always want to score or provide the final pass for my team-mates. And I can say that I give everything for the team, even on the defensive side.”

Standout season in Belgium

Tzolis was named Greece’s Player of the Year last season after his outstanding campaign with Club Brugge, where his 22 goals and 29 assists were decisive in securing the Belgian league title.

Across his time with the Belgian side, Tzolis scored 43 goals and registered 45 assists in 104 appearances in all competitions, underlining the end product that attracted Arsenal.

Last season alone, he featured 52 times for Club Brugge in all competitions, contributing 22 goals and 29 assists.

On the international stage, Tzolis has earned 34 caps for Greece and scored nine goals.

Arsenal highlighted his arrival on social media with the message: “Energy. Instinct. End product. Christos Tzolis is a Gunner.”

Arsenal’s summer business

Tzolis becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the summer under manager Mikel Arteta, following the arrival of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United.

The club have also exercised the option to buy defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen for €40m after his initial spell at the Emirates.

Arsenal are preparing to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on 16 August, before beginning their Premier League title defence against newly promoted Coventry City on 21 August.