Christos Tzolis is close to becoming Arsenal’s first outfield signing of the summer and it looks like he’s arriving with a big seal of approval too.
Tzolis is expected to complete a £33m move to the Gunners from Club Brugge as Mikel Arteta starts adding to this title-winning squad.
The Greek is seen as a set-piece expert and after impressing in Brugge last season, the Gunners will be keen to ensure he brings that skillset with him to The Emirates.
Of course, for Club Brugge and manager Ivan Leko, losing Tzolis is a big blow.
However, while Leko is disappointed, he admits that Tzolis will succeed in England.
How many goals and assists will Christos Tzolis end his debut season at Arsenal with?
He scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists last season👀
Ivan Leko backs Christos Tzolis to fit right in with Arsenal
Breaking into this Arsenal team is not going to be easy for Tzolis.
But with Leandro Trossard gone and Gabriel Martinelli’s place also under scrutiny,
“I am very happy for him,” Leko told DAZN. “I am very sad for me on one side, because we are losing a top player.”
“This is one fantastic example of somebody who was first coming on the training base, last staying there.”
“Every training was like game for him, giving so much for his career, and then you get the reward to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s a big thing for him, big thing for Club Brugge, big thing for Belgian football. Good lesson for all young boys that we have, that in football you need to work. Stop the talk, work, try to do everything to improve yourself day by day, exactly what Christos was doing.
“I am convinced that he will have his minutes, that he will show some highest level in the Premier League and Champions League at Arsenal, and he will show that he is a top player and absolutely deserves to go and be there.”
With Arsenal close to completing a deal to sign Morgan Rogers as well – detailed above – the Gunners are once again acting decisively in the transfer window.
With 51 goals and assists for Club Brugge last season alone, adding Tzolis gives the Gunners a new weapon to use in terms of creativity.
And at just £33m, it could well prove to be one of the bargains of the summer as well.
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