Arsenal’s move for Christos Tzolis may have surprised some supporters, but the Club Brugge winger appears to be a natural replacement for Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners have agreed a £34million deal for the Greece international after Trossard completed his permanent transfer to Besiktas.
Tzolis returns to England having transformed his career since a difficult spell with Norwich City.
He registered 22 goals and 29 assists across 52 appearances for Club Brugge last season. His 51 direct goal contributions helped the Belgian side win the league title.
However, Arsenal’s interest is not based solely on his output.
Tzolis can start from the left, move into central areas or operate as a No 10. That versatility should allow Mikel Arteta to use him in several attacking roles.
Tzolis can fill Trossard’s role
Trossard was rarely restricted to one position during his time at Arsenal.
He could replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left, support the striker or play between the lines when Martin Ødegaard was unavailable.
Tzolis possesses a similar positional profile.
Hayk Milkon, the former Club Brugge assistant manager, told Sky Sports that the winger is most dangerous when starting wide before moving closer to goal.
His movement would suit an Arsenal side that often asks its left winger to attack central spaces while the full-back provides width.
Tzolis also carries a greater threat from distance than most of Arteta’s current wide options.
His powerful ball striking allows him to shoot quickly after moving inside onto his right foot. That could help Arsenal against opponents who defend deep and restrict space inside the penalty area.
As Read Arsenal reported after the agreement was reached, the Tzolis transfer is separate from the club’s continued pursuit of Morgan Rogers.
Arsenal therefore appear to view him as Trossard’s direct squad replacement rather than the only major attacking addition planned this summer.
‘Warrior mode’ should appeal to Arteta
Tzolis’ mentality may be another important part of the decision.
Milkon described the 24-year-old as relaxed and popular away from the pitch but said he immediately enters “warrior mode” during training and matches.
He demands high standards, dislikes losing and regularly completes large amounts of high-intensity running.
Those qualities should appeal to Arteta, who expects his forwards to press aggressively and contribute when Arsenal lose possession.
Tzolis also displayed impressive durability in Belgium.
Despite playing regularly in domestic and European competition, he rarely missed matches through injury. That availability mirrors Trossard, who was one of Arsenal’s most dependable squad members.
Club Brugge’s official records show Tzolis had already contributed 37 goals and assists in 56 games during his first season before signing a new contract until 2029. His production then increased further during the following campaign.
The move still carries some risk.
Tzolis previously struggled in the Premier League with Norwich, while goals scored in Belgium do not automatically translate to English football.
Arsenal experienced a similar adjustment with Viktor Gyökeres, whose scoring numbers dropped significantly after arriving from Portugal.
Tzolis’ Champions League performances offer greater encouragement. His shot volume and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas compared favourably with several leading European wingers.
Arsenal have found a logical replacement
Tzolis may not arrive with the profile of Rogers, Julián Álvarez or Bradley Barcola.
However, Arsenal do not necessarily need every signing to become an automatic starter.
They need reliable players who can cover several positions, remain available and contribute goals without disrupting Arteta’s structure.
The Greece international ticks those boxes.
He is younger than Trossard, offers similar tactical flexibility and arrives after the most productive season of his career.
As Read Arsenal previously examined, his preference for the Emirates also helped Arsenal move ahead of rival interest.
Tzolis must prove his development in Germany and Belgium has prepared him for another Premier League opportunity.
His profile, mentality and output suggest Arsenal have found a sensible replacement for one of Arteta’s most dependable players.
