Arsenal have agreed a £34m deal for Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, while concerns over William Saliba's back injury prompt urgent defensive plans. The Premier League champions are moving swiftly in the transfer market to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
Arsenal's £34m Agreement for Christos Tzolis
Arsenal have verbally agreed to pay Club Brugge's asking price of up to €40m (£34m) for Greece international Christos Tzolis. The 24-year-old forward scored 22 goals last season and was previously targeted by Crystal Palace. Although an official bid has yet to be submitted, the deal is expected to be finalized soon with a medical scheduled in the coming days.
Tzolis, who usually plays on the left flank, will directly replace Leandro Trossard after his €18m (£15.3m) move to Besiktas was confirmed. The former Norwich City player will sign a long-term contract, bringing pace and creativity to Arsenal's attack.
Defensive Concerns: William Saliba's Back Injury
Arsenal are also stepping up attempts to sign defensive cover due to worries that William Saliba could miss the start of the season. The France defender had to be taken off during the World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain after breaking down with a back issue. Saliba admitted he has been “gritting his teeth” and playing through pain for some time, with reports suggesting he may require back surgery.
The club intends to make their own assessment before deciding on surgery. Arsenal are exploring options, including Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, who could provide cover alongside other targets.
Additional Transfer Targets and Squad Depth
Arsenal retain interest in Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez, though he is also wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola are other potential attacking reinforcements. Villa reportedly want over £100m for Rogers, making any deal complex.
Fitness concerns also surround Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who both admitted playing through pain during the World Cup. They are expected to be given extended rest periods to recover.
Comparison: Tzolis vs. Trossard Stats (2023-24 Season)
| Player | Goals | Assists | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christos Tzolis | 22 | 8 | Club Brugge |
| Leandro Trossard | 12 | 6 | Arsenal/Besiktas |
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal agree £34m deal for Christos Tzolis to replace Trossard
- William Saliba's back injury may require surgery, prompting defensive signings
- Club monitoring Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka's fitness after World Cup
- Interest in Julián Álvarez, Morgan Rogers, and Bradley Barcola continues
FAQ
When will Christos Tzolis join Arsenal?
Tzolis is expected to have his medical in the coming days and sign a long-term contract, with the deal worth up to €40m (£34m).
Why is Arsenal targeting defensive cover?
William Saliba's back injury could cause him to miss the start of the season, possibly requiring surgery. Arsenal are assessing his condition and exploring defensive signings like Ezri Konsa.
Who else is Arsenal targeting this summer?
Arsenal retain interest in Julián Álvarez, Morgan Rogers, and Bradley Barcola as they look to strengthen their attack further.
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