Arsenal have taken a significant step towards signing Christos Tzolis after reaching a verbal agreement with Club Brugge over a deal worth 40 million euros (£33.9m). While the London club has not yet submitted an official offer, that stage of the transfer is expected to be completed without complications.
The remaining elements of the move also appear straightforward. Personal terms are not expected to present any obstacles, and once Arsenal formally present their bid, Tzolis is set to undergo a medical before committing to a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The pursuit of the Greece international gathered momentum after Leandro Trossard completed his departure to Besiktas, leaving Arsenal searching for another wide attacking option ahead of the new season.
The recruitment team moved quickly
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has overseen negotiations for the transfer, with preparations supported by his assistant Maurizio Micheli. Micheli monitored Tzolis during Greece’s international fixture against Sweden last month, a performance that contributed to Arsenal increasing their interest.
Club had accelerated efforts to secure the 24-year-old, and the latest developments indicate that those talks have now resulted in an agreement with Club Brugge.
Only the formal paperwork remains before the transfer enters its final stages, with both the medical examination and contract signing expected to follow the official offer.
Separate plans for attacking reinforcements
The proposed arrival of Tzolis does not affect Arsenal’s intention to recruit another leading forward during the current transfer window. The club continues to work on additional attacking targets alongside the deal for the Greek winger.
Julian Alvarez remains Arsenal’s preferred long-term option, although competition for the Atletico Madrid forward is strong, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid also interested in the Argentina international.
At the same time, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is regarded as the leading candidate for a versatile attacking role. Arsenal is expected to increase their efforts once their World Cup campaign with England has concluded.
The alternative option remains under consideration
If negotiations for Rogers do not produce an agreement, Arsenal are prepared to explore another route in the market. Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has been identified as the alternative choice.
Reports suggest Aston Villa value Rogers at £130m, meaning Arsenal could eventually turn their attention elsewhere should a deal prove too difficult to complete.
