The Club Brugge boss believes the 24-year-old’s move is a reward for relentless hard work and expects him to prove himself in the Premier League.
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Ivan Leko has confirmed that Christos Tzolis is set to join Arsenal, describing the move as a reward for the winger’s work ethic and urging young players at Club Brugge to follow his example.
On 17 July, it emerged that Club Brugge had authorised Tzolis to undergo a medical after Arsenal agreed a €40 million (£34 million) deal for the 24-year-old.
Now, Leko has publicly confirmed the transfer.
“This is one fantastic example,” he said about Tzolis moving to London. “Somebody who is, who was first coming on the training base, last one there. Every training was like game for him, giving so much for his career and then you get award to sign for one of the biggest club in Europe.
“Big thing for him, I think, big thing for Club Brugge, big thing for Belgian football. Good lesson for all young boys what we have, that in football you need to work. Stop to talk, work. Try to do everything to improve yourself day by day, exactly what Christos was doing.
Christos Tzolis #8 of Club Brugge KV walks to take a corner kick in the first half of the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round Second Leg match between Club Brugge and Rangers
Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
“And on one side I’m very happy for him. I’m very sad for me on one side because we are losing top player and I’m very, I’m convinced that he will have his minutes, that he will show also on highest level in Premier League and Champions League in Arsenal that is, is, is top player, that he absolutely deserves to go to be there.”
Tzolis was reportedly only interested in joining Arsenal, despite receiving offers from several other clubs this month.
Andrea Berta has overseen the move, while Arsenal recruitment specialist Maurizio Micheli watched Tzolis play for Greece against Sweden last month. The winger provided the assist for Greece’s opening goal in that match.
Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Atalanta BC and Club Brugge KV at Stadio di Bergamo on September 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
Earlier this year, Tzolis admitted Arsenal would be his preferred destination.
“My future club? Haha, I don’t know!” he said. “I hope that they [Arsenal] come for me. But honestly, I don’t know. If Arsenal come, it would be a privilege for every player to play for [them].”
Tzolis is expected to replace Leandro Trossard in Arsenal’s squad, although the club are also pursuing another wide forward, with Morgan Rogers their leading target.
The winger arrives after an outstanding 2025/26 season in Belgium.
He scored 17 league goals and provided 23 assists, while finishing the campaign with 51 goal contributions in 52 appearances in all competitions.
That included five goal contributions in Champions League qualifying and another three in the competition itself.
Christos Tzolis #8 of Club Brugge KV looks on in the first half of the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round Second Leg match between Club Brugge and Rangers
Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
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