Arsenal's Next Left-Winger: Is Christos Tzolis the Right Fit?
As Arsenal prepares for the new season, the club is reportedly close to securing the services of Christos Tzolis, the Greek forward from Club Brugge. With the departure of Leandro Trossard, the Gunners are on the hunt for a new left-winger, and Tzolis could be the man to fill the void. But what exactly would he bring to the Premier League champions? Is he the right fit for Mikel Arteta's team?
A Goal-Scoring Machine
Christos Tzolis has been a revelation in Belgium, scoring 33 goals in two seasons with Club Brugge. His 2025-26 campaign was particularly impressive, guiding the club to their 20th league title with 17 goals and 23 assists. While the Belgian Pro League may not be as competitive as the Premier League, Tzolis' numbers are still eye-catching. He created the most chances, completed the most dribbles, and made the most progressive carries in the league, showcasing his ability to create and score goals.
However, one thing that stands out is the level of competition. The Belgian Pro League is only the eighth-toughest in the world, with an average team rating of 81.8. This is significantly lower than the Premier League, which ranks as the toughest league in the world. Tzolis will need to adjust quickly to the higher level of competition, and English football fans are not exactly the most forgiving or patient.
Set-Piece Specialist
Arsenal's set-piece efficiency has become a hot topic, and Tzolis could be the man to take over set-piece duty. He has a proven track record in this area, with 52 of his 135 chances created for Club Brugge coming from set pieces. This is a significant percentage, and it's an area where Arsenal has been strong in recent seasons. With Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka carrying fitness concerns, Tzolis could be a strong contender to take over set-piece duty at the beginning of Arsenal's title defense.
Versatility and Style
Tzolis is right-footed and operates predominantly on the left, but he can also be deployed centrally as a striker or attacking midfielder. This versatility is something that many of Arteta's signings possess, and it could be a key asset for the team. However, his style of play is slightly different from Trossard's. Tzolis is more of a ball-carrier and prefers to take his man on as a way to fashion opportunities, whereas Trossard often prefers to slow a situation down a notch.
The Younger, Developing Talent
One thing that stands out is the age difference between Tzolis and Trossard. Tzolis is seven years younger, and this could be a significant advantage for Arsenal. He has the potential to continue growing and developing under the tutelage of Arteta, and this could be a boost to the squad. However, it's important to note that Trossard became a cult hero and club legend for his ability to provide big moments in big games, and it may be optimistic to expect Tzolis to come in and provide the same output from day one.
The Clever Business Move
While Tzolis' arrival may not be the big-name signing that Arsenal fans have been clamouring for, it could be a very clever bit of business. He has the potential to be a key player for the team, and his set-piece ability and versatility could be a significant asset. However, it remains to be seen if he can make the step up to the Premier League and live up to the expectations.
In conclusion, Christos Tzolis could be a smart addition to Arsenal's squad. He has the potential to be a key player, but it will be up to him to make the most of the opportunity. With his set-piece ability, versatility, and developing talent, he could be a valuable asset for the Gunners. But only time will tell if he can make the step up to the Premier League and become a true champion.
