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Christos Tzolis at Arsenal could provide Mikel Arteta with many of the qualities lost following Leandro Trossard’s departure for Besiktas.
Arsenal completed the signing of the Greece international from Club Brugge for a reported £34million. Tzolis has signed a five-year contract and will wear the number 17 shirt.
The 24-year-old arrives after producing 17 goals and 23 assists across 36 league appearances last season. He also recorded 43 goals and 45 assists during 108 matches for Club Brugge.
Those numbers underline why Arsenal moved quickly after selling Trossard. The Belgian provided goals, positional flexibility and intelligent movement throughout his time in north London.
Why Christos Tzolis at Arsenal can replace Trossard
Tzolis and Trossard are not identical players, but their preferred roles contain several similarities.
Both are most comfortable starting from the left before moving into central areas. They can also operate behind a striker, allowing Arteta to change Arsenal’s shape without making a substitution.
Tzolis told Arsenal’s official website that he considers himself a direct attacker who looks for goals and assists. He also highlighted his willingness to work defensively.
Trossard rarely relied on explosive pace. Instead, he found space between defenders and produced composed finishes inside the penalty area.
Tzolis offers a more dynamic running threat, but he also prefers receiving possession closer to goal. Former Club Brugge assistant Hayk Milkon told Sky Sports that the winger is strongest when moving inside from the left.
His ability to play wide or centrally should make him a valuable option against compact Premier League defences.
Arsenal have replaced Trossard with a younger goal threat
Arsenal have exchanged a 31-year-old squad player for a forward seven years younger without losing significant tactical flexibility.
Trossard joined Besiktas for a reported £17million. Arsenal therefore refreshed the position for an additional net cost of around £17million.
Tzolis also has a strong recent fitness record. His former coach explained that he maintained his intensity while playing every three or four days for Club Brugge.
That availability will appeal to Arteta as Arsenal balance Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup commitments.
The move does not appear to have ended Arsenal’s wider attacking search. The club must consider alternatives after Real Madrid decided to retain Vinicius Junior.
Arsenal have also retained an interest in Julián Álvarez, although Fabrizio Romano says negotiations remain at an early stage.
Tzolis must prove his Premier League development
Tzolis previously struggled to establish himself during his time with Norwich City.
However, he returns to England as a more complete player following productive spells with Fortuna Düsseldorf and Club Brugge. He has developed his finishing, decision-making and ability to influence matches from several positions.
Competition with Gabriel Martinelli should also benefit Arsenal. Martinelli provides greater speed in behind, while Tzolis appears more comfortable moving into crowded central areas.
Replacing Trossard was never simply about finding another left winger. Arsenal needed a reliable attacker who could score, create and perform several roles.
Tzolis fits those requirements while lowering the age profile of Arteta’s squad. His £34million arrival could prove to be one of Arsenal’s most efficient pieces of summer business.