Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in a deal worth £34 million, making him the club’s third summer arrival.
The Greek winger joins Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie as the Gunners continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Tzolis has signed a five-year contract and will wear the number 17 shirt, a number previously associated with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Alex Iwobi, and Alexis Sanchez.
Sporting director Andrea Berta expressed strong satisfaction with the deal, describing Tzolis as an extremely versatile attacking player comfortable across the entire front line.
Berta added that Tzolis has produced outstanding numbers in goals and assists over the last three seasons and will raise the technical level of the squad.
Tzolis himself revealed he had already held an hour-long conversation with manager Mikel Arteta, calling it absolutely amazing to sign for the champions of England.
The 29-assist, 52 set-piece chance-creating winger is expected to be a particular asset for set-piece coach Nicolas Jover as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka face carefully managed minutes.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also preparing to submit a £70 million offer for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to BBC Sport, though Newcastle consider that figure a non-starter.
Chronicle Live have reported that Newcastle are growing frustrated with Arsenal’s approach through third parties, with no direct contact yet established between the two clubs.
Personal terms between Guimaraes and Arsenal are said to be agreed, and no other clubs are believed to be in contention for the Brazilian midfielder’s signature.
Newcastle have signed AS Monaco defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba for a £35 million package, though journalist Mark Douglas has stated the deal is not linked to the Guimaraes speculation.
On the defensive front, Arsenal are dealing with William Saliba’s injury and have been linked with Ezri Konsa, with BBC Sport reporting the Aston Villa defender is their first-choice target.
John Stones and Zeno Debast have also been mentioned, with intermediaries reportedly offering Debast to Arsenal at around £34 million, half his release clause.
Former France international Mikael Silvestre has urged Bradley Barcola to join Arsenal, calling a potential move an obvious choice for both the player and the club.
However, Al-Hilal’s reported interest in Ousmane Dembele could convince PSG to retain Barcola as a key figure, complicating Arsenal’s pursuit of both him and Yan Diomande.
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