Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Premier League
Mikel Arteta is set to bolster his Arsenal squad (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal are closing in on a £34m signing as they look to replace Leandro Trossard following his move to Besiktas.
The Gunners were somewhat surprisingly open to offers for Trossard despite the Belgian helping Mikel Arteta end Arsenal’s long wait for a Premier League title.
Across four seasons at the Emirates Stadium, Trossard made 174 appearances and scored some vital goals, including the winner in a crucial win over West Ham towards the end of last season.
Arteta’s trust in Trossard was shown when the 31-year-old started Arsenal’s Champions League final against PSG back in May.
Get exclusive analysis of England v Argentina
Make sense of the drama with Metro's free daily newsletter. Sign up now.
But Arsenal decided to sell Trossard this summer as was entering the final year of his contract and probably past his best at the age of 31.
Ask Metro
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
Trossard signed a three-year deal with Besiktas after the Turkish giants agreed an 18m euros (£15.3m) fee for the Belgium international.
Arsenal paid tribute to Trossard after the title winner left the Emirates Stadium, saying in a statement: ‘Everyone at the club would like to thank Leo for his valued contribution to the club and wish him all the best for his future.’
Belgian player Leandro Trossard arrives in Istanbul for transfer talks with Besiktas
Arsenal title winner Leandro Trossard has left (Picture: Getty)
Trossard’s exit will pave the way for a new Arsenal attacking signing and the Gunners are closing in on a deal for Christos Tzolis.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Club Brugge winger for several weeks but are also aware of interest from other European giants.
Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad say Arsenal have pulled ahead of any other club in the transfer race and are set to approach Club Brugge with an official offer.
KV Mechelen v Club Brugge - Jupiler Pro League Champions' Play-Off
Club Brugge and Greece winger Christos Tzolis (Picture: Getty)
It is also claimed that Greece international Tzolis, 24, is ready to reject all approaches in favour of a move to the Premier League champions.
Tzolis started his career at PAOK before spending two seasons at Norwich City, one in the Premier League and one in the Championship.
The left-winger has thrived since his 2024 move to Club Brugge, scoring 43 goals across the last two seasons.
Tzolis looks set to become Arteta’s third signing of the summer following back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie, who has completed a permanent move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal are expected to sign another attacking player after Tzolis having expressed interest in Atletico Madrid’s Argentine World Cup star Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners also admire England’s Morgan Rogers but have been put off by Aston Villa’s asking price which stands at over £100m.
Arsenal won the Premier League by seven points last season but will be wary of a resurgence from the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Jude Bellingham slaps Argentina star after England’s World Cup exit
MORE: Man Utd to bid £30m for Arsenal target to replace Marcus Rashford
MORE: Chelsea open talks to sign £51m World Cup star ahead of Manchester United
In The Mixer’s World Cup special
Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.