Arsenal's new winger: Christos Tzolis

The name of the post-Leandro Trossard era at Arsenal is becoming clear. According to the report, Club Brugge's Greek star Christos Tzolis did not open the door to any of the other clubs approaching his camp: the 24-year-old winger's sole aim is a move to Arsenal. Talks between the two clubs are said to be starting soon; Tzolis had long been viewed as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Trossard's move to Besiktas.

The first link in the chain was completed today. Trossard flew to Istanbul to join Besiktas following a total €20 million package of €18 million plus €2 million in add-ons, and the London club shifted from waiting mode into operation mode. The loyalty on the player's side, meanwhile, is striking: another club attempting to enter the race in recent days is reported to have received the answer "We are waiting for Arsenal" from Tzolis' camp, with one proposal even put on hold for that cause.

The parameters of the negotiating table have also taken shape. The English champions are reported to have made official initial contact with Club Brugge without yet submitting a formal offer. The Belgian giants are targeting a fee that would surpass the Belgian Pro League's record sale — the €37.5 million Milan paid for Charles De Ketelaere in 2022 — for their star, who produced extraordinary numbers of 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 matches last season. In a scenario of a deal worth around £35 million, Tzolis would also claim the title of the most expensive Greek footballer in history.

Experiencing the Premier League with Norwich City in 2021-22, Tzolis' role at the Emirates is planned as competition and rotation; for the marquee signing, Arsenal's number one target remains Morgan Rogers — with Aston Villa's starting price at £130 million. At a club where Gabriel Martinelli is also available for sale, the complete rebuild of the left wing has turned into the main project of the summer.

Source: Fabrizio Romano
Image: BBC Sport