Why Arsenal signed Christos Tzolis for £33m as Arteta reshapes attack

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Club Brugge to sign Christos Tzolis in a deal worth around £33 million, with the Greek international becoming the latest addition to Mikel Arteta's evolving attacking unit.

Football Place understands Tzolis will join for a fee in the region of £33 million, but his arrival is not expected to end Arsenal's pursuit of another high-profile forward this summer.

Tzolis arrives after establishing himself as one of Europe's most productive wide players.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a sensational campaign with Club Brugge, scoring 22 goals and registering 29 assists to be named the Belgian Pro League's Player of the Season. It was the second consecutive year he surpassed the 20-goal mark after rebuilding his career following a difficult spell at Norwich City.

His versatility is a major attraction for Arteta. Although naturally most effective from the left wing, Tzolis is equally comfortable on the right or operating through the middle, giving Arsenal greater tactical flexibility across the front line.

Arsenal's decision to move for Tzolis follows the departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas.

The Greek international offers many of the same technical qualities but with greater pace, more direct running and significantly more long-term upside at 24 years of age.

Unlike some of Arsenal's other attacking targets, Tzolis was also a relatively straightforward deal to complete. That allowed sporting director Andrea Berta to strengthen the squad early without exhausting the club's transfer budget.

Crucially, Football Place understands Arsenal do not view Tzolis as their marquee attacking signing.

The arrivals and departures at the Emirates do not alter Arsenal's interest in bigger-name attacking targets.

Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola continue to feature prominently on the club's shortlist as Arteta looks to add another elite forward capable of elevating Arsenal's attack to the next level.

Signing Tzolis for around £33 million with a salary worth around £70k per week represents relatively low financial risk in the current market, while still leaving room for Arsenal to pursue a statement signing before the transfer window closes.

If Tzolis can translate the outstanding numbers he produced in Belgium to the Premier League, Arsenal may have secured one of the smartest value deals of the summer.

With Tzolis' arrival close to completion, Arsenal are expected to continue working on further attacking additions before the transfer window closes. Andrea Berta remains active in the market, and the Gunners are still expected to push for another elite forward to complete Arteta's squad rebuild.

Would Christos Tzolis be one of Arsenal's smartest signings of the summer, or should the Gunners prioritise Morgan Rogers or Bradley Barcola instead?