Arsenal are said to have a player who is ready to sign if they want to do the deal. The Gunners are hoping to upgrade some key areas this summer, but they are taking a careful approach, well aware that only clear upgrades will do at this stage of their evolution.
Mikel Arteta's men are coming off the back of a Premier League title win and a Champions League final berth, so Arteta and Andrea Berta must be careful not to disrupt the nucleus of an already successful squad.
But while Arsenal are searching for a left-winger and a new dynamic midfielder in terms of starters, they know they will likely have to replace some of their squad players, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and perhaps others likely to be offered the opportunity to become starters elsewhere.
Arsenal have a depth signing ready to go
Christos Tzolisvia Reuters
According to David Ornstein, Arsenal have the chance to sign Club Brugge star Christos Tzolis, who is a productive left-winger. Ornstein said on The Athletic FC podcast: "I think they want to add real quality to what they've already got, and definitely that will come in the attacking third of the pitch.
"Clearly, that left-sided attack is an area of great focus, and you know, we've reported that Christos Tzolis at Club Brugge is a player that they've they've held some conversations about. It feels like that one's there to be done if and when Arsenal want to do it, and so if somebody like Tzolis comes in, I don't think that would be the sort of main first choice, I think that would be to add depth and quality."
Tzolis could be a Trossard replacement
Leandro Trossard
Tzolis has scored 17 and assisted 18 in 54 league appearances for Club Brugge, while he also scored a hugely impressing 22 goals in 30 2.Bundesliga appearances during his time with Dusseldorf. The winger has been described as 'deadly', but he is not the top-tier winger Arsenal are looking for. He could, however, slot into Trossard's role, with the winger likely to leave this summer despite having had an excellent season of last.
The Belgian wants to be a starter, and he will get that opportunity at a number of top clubs elsewhere. But he will still need to be replaced, and Tzolis could be a candidate. Speaking earlier this summer about his future amid links with Man Utd, he told DAZN: “I don’t know. It depends on Club Brugge. It’s not up to me to decide. We’ll see what the best option is for me. It’s not just about the name. We also have to ask ourselves what the best project is.
“Why not stay at Club Brugge? I have a contract until 2029. I’m a professional. I have to respect my team. The team that pays me. I’m here to celebrate. Then we’ll see about my future. It’s still early. Today, I have to celebrate. I have a vacation.”
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