Christos Tzolis is closing in on his Arsenal move, with the Club Brugge winger expected to undergo a medical before completing a £33.8m transfer.
The Greece international is set to become Mikel Arteta’s third senior signing of the summer following the arrivals of Piero Hincapié and Illan Meslier.
Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko provided another strong indication that Tzolis is leaving after excluding him from Friday’s friendly against Heerenveen.
Leko said he was happy for the 24-year-old despite losing one of his leading players. He also backed Tzolis to receive opportunities and prove his quality in the Premier League and Champions League.
According to The Standard, Tzolis must now choose a different squad number from the No8 shirt he wore in Belgium. Martin Ødegaard currently holds that number as Arsenal captain.
No19 could become Tzolis’ leading option
Arsenal currently have several vacant senior numbers, including 15, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27 and 28.
Tzolis has worn several shirts during his career. He used No11 and No68 at PAOK, No18 at Norwich City, No19 with FC Twente and No7 during his season at Fortuna Düsseldorf.
The No19 shirt could offer the most natural option following Leandro Trossard’s move to Beşiktaş. However, Arsenal may allow Tzolis to choose another available number before confirming his arrival.
ReadArsenal previously reported that the Gunners had agreed a £34m deal with Club Brugge, with Tzolis making the Emirates Stadium his preferred destination.
The forward scored 22 goals last season and will provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left. He can also operate from the right or through central areas when required.
Only the final medical and paperwork now appear to stand between Tzolis and his official Arsenal announcement.
