Arsenal are poised to bolster their left wing department during the ongoing transfer window.
The Gunners recently reached an agreement to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17 million, and the Belgian has since agreed on personal terms with the Turkish giants.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal will immediately accelerate their move for a new winger once Trossard departs.
The Gunners are already in contact with the agent of Club Brugge star Christos Tzolis. The winger is likewise keen on a move. A new club have tried to enter the race, but the player’s camp have made it clear that they are ‘waiting for Arsenal’.
Romano said: “If Leandro Trossard goes to Besiktas, Arsenal will immediately accelerate for a new winger. One of the names mentioned internally is Christos Tzolis & Arsenal are in contact with his agent.
“Tzolis is keen on a move to Arsenal. There was another club trying to enter the race in recent days, trying to understand if they can advance in negotiations to sign Tzolis, but the answer from the player’s camp has been, ‘We are waiting for Arsenal’. Tzolis is giving priority to Arsenal.”
Arsenal on course to sign Tzolis
The Gunners have been frequently linked with Tzolis since last month, and it was recently reported that they are close to finalising a £35 million deal for the Greece international.
The player has given the green light for a transfer, which has been put on hold until Trossard moves on. That is likely to happen soon, with the Belgian having agreed terms with Besiktas.
The Gunners consider Tzolis as a back-up left winger rather than a marquee acquisition. He should prove a good signing on the back of a tremendous campaign with Brugge.
The 24-year-old bagged a stellar tally of 22 goals and 29 assists in all competitions for the Belgian champions last term. This included three goal contributions against Atalanta, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid during the league phase of the Champions League.
Tzolis possesses plenty of pace on the counter-attack, but he is also strong with his dribbling and can score and create chances from tight spaces. He would represent a decent upgrade on Trossard, who struggled for consistency during the back end of last season.
Arsenal are still expected to proceed and sign another marquee left winger alongside Tzolis. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is the prime target. The Gunners appear to have also revived their pursuit of Atletico’s Julian Alvarez, who has opened the door to join the club.
Stats from Transfermarkt