Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, with the Greek international putting pen to paper on a five-year contract after completing a £34 million move to the Emirates Stadium. The 24-year-old becomes the Gunners’ third signing of the summer and arrives after two outstanding seasons in Belgian football.
Tzolis admitted he began preparing for the transfer long before it became official, revealing that speculation linking him with Arsenal convinced him to remain focused throughout his summer holiday.
Rather than taking a complete break after the season ended, the winger continued training to ensure he would be ready if the opportunity arose.
“I had 27 days of holidays, not full holidays. I worked also to be ready because I heard the rumours,” Tzolis said.
“I needed to be in good shape and fit, so I worked hard during the summer. Then I had two weeks of pre-season with Club Brugge, so I’m quite fit to start here.”
The move marks a fresh chapter in Tzolis’ career after reviving his reputation in Belgium following a difficult first spell in English football with Norwich City.
His impressive form for Club Brugge, where he scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists in 52 appearances last season, convinced Arsenal to move for the winger following the departure of Leandro Trossard.
Tzolis described joining Arsenal as a dream come true and said conversations with manager Mikel Arteta left him convinced the club was the perfect destination.
“It’s absolutely amazing to sign for such a big club, the champions of England. I’m very proud to be part of this team,” he said.
“When my agent first mentioned it might be possible, I was already excited. Then it became more serious and now I’m here.”
The Greek international also revealed he held an hour-long meeting with Arteta, during which they discussed the club’s ambitions, the manager’s plans and how he fits into Arsenal’s future.
“It was only positive things,” Tzolis added.
Having already completed part of Club Brugge’s pre-season programme, Tzolis believes he is physically ready to make an immediate impact.
The winger recently featured in a pre-season friendly against Feyenoord and is expected to join Arsenal’s preparations immediately as Arteta’s squad gears up for the new campaign.
Tzolis also knows exactly what to expect after facing Arsenal in last season’s Champions League. He described the Gunners as the toughest side he had encountered, admitting they made it extremely difficult for Club Brugge to create chances.
Looking ahead, his ambitions are clear.
“My targets are to win titles,” he said. “The most important thing is to settle into the team, play as much as possible and help the club succeed.”
Arsenal are expected to remain active in the transfer market despite completing Tzolis’ signing, with the club still pursuing another attacking addition before the summer window closes.
