Arsenal’s latest transfer target has significant implications for two of their current attacking players.
The Gunners are exploring a deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, who could be available for around €40million (£34.5million).
Crucially, David Ornstein confirmed that a move for the 24-year-old Greek international would not impact Arsenal’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers or an alternative target.
That indicates Andrea Berta is looking to add multiple attacking players this summer, which would mean multiple departures to make room.
Arsenal have already made enquiries for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, and links to Marcus Rashford and Nico Williams have also resurfaced.
With Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both entering the final year of their contracts in 2027, and with question marks over both players’ long-term futures, Arsenal appear to be planning for a significant overhaul of their left flank.
What’s the first thing you would say if Arsenal and Manchester United swapped Gabriel Martinelli and Marcus Rashford?
All signs are pointing towards two in, two out.
Tzolis had a remarkable season in Belgium, scoring 17 goals and providing 23 assists for Club Brugge — extraordinary numbers even for a lesser league.
He has Champions League experience too, having played the full match in Brugge’s defeat against Arsenal in December.
At 24, he is entering his peak years, and at £34.5million, he wouldn’t be cheap but could represent better value than the inflated prices elsewhere in the market.
Christos Tzolis could be the Mikel Merino of this summer’s window
There is an intriguing parallel here with Tzolis. Mikel Merino had a brief spell in the Premier League with Newcastle before increasing his stock at Real Sociedad.
He returned to England six years later as a far better player, eventually becoming a key figure in Arsenal’s leadership group.
Tzolis looks to follow a remarkably similar path. He joined Norwich for £10million in 2021 when he was 19, but struggled to leave an impact, making just 14 Premier League appearances.
He was then sold to Fortuna Dusseldorf for just £3million before Club Brugge shrewdly picked him up and developed him into one of the most productive wide players in European football.
There is also an interesting connection to Eberechi Eze.
Tzolis was once targeted as Eze’s replacement at Crystal Palace last summer, with the player considered a similar profile.
Now, rather than replacing Eze, he could end up playing alongside him at the Emirates.
Arsenal’s summer is shaping up to be one of significant change in attack.
Morgan Rogers remains the primary target, but Tzolis could be a smart, value-driven addition to complement the bigger signing perfectly.
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