Christos Tzolis is already showing why Arsenal were so keen to sign the Greek winger
Tzolis certainly isn’t at Vinícius’ level. The Brazilian would have had a case for being the most spectacular signing in Premier League history had he joined Arsenal over signing a new six-year contract with Real Madrid. Vinícius would have immediately elevated the standard of Arsenal’s forward line.
In contrast, Tzolis is more of a project. At 24, the Greek international isn’t the youngest, but he has yet to scale the peaks of European football after a meandering career to this point, which has included stops at PAOK, Norwich City, FC Twente, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Club Brugge. His elite potential hasn’t always been obvious. Norwich fans must be confused by Tzolis’ rise.
For Club Brugge, though, Tzolis developed into a genuine difference-maker. The winger registered 17 goals and 23 assists in 36 league appearances last season, also charting three Champions League goal contributions for good measure. These sort of numbers surely had several big European clubs looking.
Arsenal’s need for a new left winger was clear, especially after Leandro Trossard’s departure to Beşiktaş. Only eight players played more league minutes for the Gunners last season than Trossard who produced a number of important goals in a season that saw the North London side compete on all fronts.
Tzolis offers many of the same things Trossard did over three years as an Arsenal player. Even in pre-season, his work rate against the ball has been notable. Like Trossard, Tzolis likes to cut inside on to his right foot off the left wing. He also plays in the half-spaces between the lines and crashes the box whenever possible.
“I’m very pleased with him,” said Mikel Arteta when asked about the impact Tzolis has made for his new team in pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign when Arsenal will defend their Premier League crown. “First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team. The connection he’s already generated with the boys. I think you’re going to love the player.
“He’s a very direct player. He’s got the ball between the eyes. I think really good at linking up. He has a lot of similarities with Leo in a lot of the things that he can do and the spaces he can occupy. And then the work ethic that he has. He’s a boy that comes with so much hunger as well and wants to prove it. It’s a dream for him and we are here to help him.”
Last season, Arsenal’s defence was the thing that made them Premier League champions. The Gunners kept more clean sheets (19) than any other team and conceded a total of just 27 goals in 38 goals. They were the strongest defensive unit anywhere in Europe’s Big Five leagues.
To take the next step, though, Arteta must find a way to add more creativity and attacking threat to his team. Vinícius certainly would have done that as one of the best left wingers in the world right now. The Brazilian scored 16 league goals for Real Madrid last season while Gabriel Martinelli and Trossard only scored a combined nine.
It could be the case that Arsenal remain in the market for another left winger. Vinícius might no longer be on their radar, but other options could be available. Bradley Barcola has been linked with an exit from Paris Saint-Germain while Rafael Leão is expected in some quarters to leave AC Milan at some point this summer.
In Tzolis, though, Arsenal already have a left-sided option capable of making a positive impact on the Premier League. Physically, the Greek international will be able to handle himself in the English top flight and his Champions League performances suggest his technical level is also up to the standard.
Arsenal have done a lot to bulk up their squad in recent times. This process will continue with the addition of Bruno Guimarães when Arteta already has Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi as a starting double pivot. The Gunners boss recognises the importance of depth when his side is expected to compete on multiple fronts every season.
Even if Tzolis ends up starting most games on the bench, precedent suggests he will have his moment – or two – over the course of the campaign just as Trossard did before him. His performances in pre-season have been a preview of what the Greek will bring to the Emirates Stadium.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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