According to a report by FootballTransfers on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Arsenal have taken a major step in their summer rebuild after reaching an agreement with Club Brugge to sign highly rated winger Christos Tzolis in a deal worth €40 million, with the transfer now entering its final stages.
The Gunners had adopted a measured approach in the transfer market, adding goalkeeper Illan Meslier and making Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent.
However, Leandro Trossard’s €20 million switch to Besiktas has created the space for Mikel Arteta to secure one of his priority attacking targets.
According to David Ornstein and The Athletic, Arsenal are finalising the transfer after agreeing a €40m fee with Club Brugge.
Tzolis has also agreed personal terms on a contract that will keep him at the Emirates until 2031. The 24-year-old is eager to return to English football after his previous spell with Norwich City between 2021 and 2024.
The Greece international arrives on the back of a remarkable campaign in Belgium, producing 22 goals and 29 assists across all competitions.
His outstanding performances helped Club Brugge win the Belgian Pro League title, while he was also crowned the Belgian Footballer of the Year.
Arsenal’s interest in Tzolis has been building for months, with the club closely monitoring his progress before intensifying negotiations. Their persistence ultimately paid off despite competition from Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Roma.
The north London club reportedly convinced the winger to prioritise a move to the Emirates, while the transfer is expected to become the biggest sale in Club Brugge’s history.
Negotiations first began in June, but Arsenal delayed completing the move while waiting for Leandro Trossard’s involvement with Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to conclude before sanctioning his departure.
With the Belgian now gone, the path has been cleared for Tzolis to arrive as his replacement.
Despite moving quickly to secure the Greek forward, Arsenal’s summer business is far from over.
The club remain interested in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers following England’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, and Tzolis’ arrival is not expected to affect that pursuit.
Arteta’s side also explored a move for Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz earlier in the window but were informed that the Turkish international was unavailable for transfer.
