Christos Tzolis: The UCL factor and why Greek winger is Arsenal’s perfect replacement for Trossard
By Luke Oluoch, July 17, 2026Arsenal appear to have moved swiftly to replace departing winger Leandro Trossard, with Greek attacker Christos Tzolis’s arrival imminent at the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on Thursday, July 16, 2026, that the deal is now a formality, with both parties in agreement and Club Brugge authorising the player to undergo his medical.
The transaction, valued at approximately Ksh6 billion, will make Tzolis the most expensive Greek player in history, as well as the record departure for the Belgian top flight.
Beyond the fee, the winger is no stranger to English football.
Norwich’s flop
In 2021, Tzolis became Norwich City’s record signing in a ten-million-pound transfer. However, his two-year spell in England was heavily disrupted by injuries, restricting him to just a handful of appearances before he departed the country.
Ironically, he made his Premier League debut for Norwich at the Emirates Stadium at a time when Arsenal sat at the bottom of the table without a single point under Mikel Arteta. Following his stint in England, he also spent time on loan with German side Fortuna Düsseldorf.
He now returns to the Premier League after the season of his life in Belgium with Club Brugge, hoping to make the most of his second chance in England. The newest addition to the Gunners’ ranks brings a compelling profile and a proven track record on the biggest stages.
Tzolis shines in Belgium
While a large portion of his staggering fifty goal contributions last season came in domestic competition, Tzolis has already built a highly respectable Champions League pedigree.
Over the last two seasons, he has consistently proven his ability to perform on the elevated European stage. He was a mainstay in Club Brugge’s European campaign, featuring in twelve matches and accumulating over 900 minutes of action.
In total, he has registered eleven goals and assists in European competitions, including qualifiers, over the past two seasons. This run included a stunning goal against Atlético Madrid in a thrilling three-three draw in early 2026.
Player profile
Tactically, Tzolis offers a profile that is strikingly similar to that of Leandro Trossard, the very player he is arriving to replace in the Arsenal attack.
The Greek international possesses immense versatility, with the ability to operate as a playmaker in the number ten role or, more naturally, as a dynamic force on either flank.
His direct style of play, bustling runs and powerful cuts inside from the wings were the driving force behind his incredible output of twenty-two goals and twenty-nine assists across all competitions last season, making him an incredibly exciting addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.