Arsenal close in on Tzolis
Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement with Club Brugge to sign winger Christos Tzolis for a fee of €40 million (£33.9 million), sources have confirmed to BBC Sport. The Greece international is expected to undergo a medical and sign a long-term contract once a formal offer is submitted, which is considered a formality.
Deal details
Transfer Fee: €40m (£33.9m)
Contract: Long-term
Medical: Imminent
The move comes after the departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, with Tzolis identified as his direct replacement. Sporting director Andrea Berta led negotiations, with assistant Maurizio Micheli personally scouting the 24-year-old during Greece's match against Sweden last month.
Ambitious summer plans
While Tzolis marks Arsenal's first addition, the Premier League champions are still in the market for a marquee forward. Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid remains the priority target, though Premier League rivals and La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested. The club will also pursue Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa once his World Cup campaign with England concludes, with Villa reportedly valuing him at £130 million. Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola is considered an alternative if a deal for Rogers proves too difficult.
Tzolis, who previously struggled during a loan spell at Norwich City, has revitalised his career in Belgium, scoring 43 goals in 108 appearances for Club Brugge. His signing signals Mikel Arteta's intent to add depth and quality as Arsenal prepare for the defence of their domestic title.
