Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko has praised forward Christos Tzolis ahead of his move to Arsenal.
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign the Greek winger for €40 million (£34m)—a record fee for a Belgian Pro League player.
The 24-year-old is expected to be the replacement for Leandro Trossard, who has left for Turkish side Besiktas.
Tzolis enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Brugge last season, helping them win their 20th league title. He registered 17 goals and added 23 assists in 36 games.
He has been brilliant since joining the Blue-Black from Fortuna Düsseldorf in 2024, but found his best form under Leko, who was appointed in December 2025.
Leko has praised Tzolis for his professionalism and believes he has what it takes to succeed at Arsenal.
“(I am) very happy for him. I am very sad for me on one side, because we are losing a top player,” the Croatian told DAZN.
“This is one fantastic example of somebody who was first coming on the training base, last staying there.
“Every training was like game for him, giving so much for his career, and then you get the reward to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
“(It is a) big thing for him, big thing for Club Brugge, big thing for Belgian football. Good lesson for all young boys that we have, that in football, you need to work. Stop the talk, work, and try to do everything to improve yourself day by day, exactly what Christos was doing.
“I am convinced that he will have his minutes, that he will show some highest level in the Premier League and Champions League at Arsenal, and he will show that he is a top player and absolutely deserves to go and be there.”
Tzolis was not involved in Brugge’s defeat to Dutch side Heerenveen in a pre-season friendly on Friday. He is expected to be in London by the weekend as he looks to complete his move to Arsenal.
The Greece international will now have the chance to prove himself in England after failing to impress at Norwich City. He registered just three goals and two assists in 30 games for the Canaries.
Stats from Transfermarkt