Tzolis’s form for Belgian side Club Brugge has attracted a host of admirers – a far cry from his time at Carrow Road when he failed to settle and after 27 appearances in three years departed in the summer of 2024.
And Arsenal appear to have won the chase for the Greece international following the exit of 31-year-old Leandro Trossard, who has moved from Arsenal to Turkish side Besiktas.
Besiktas are reportedly paying £15.3m for Trossard, having agreed personal terms – all of which was settled before the start of the World Cup.
Trossard’s agent had claimed that the Belgian could end up staying at Arsenal – which would have meant the end of any deal for Tzolis.
Dirk Hebel says Trossard has yet to make a decision on his long-term future, and that remaining with the Gunners does not appear to be out of the question.
“I can confirm that Besiktas did everything they could to sign Leandro Trossard,” he said in an interview with Sky in Germany. “However, no decision has been made yet.
But Trossard was pictured on social media wearing the Besiktas kit, which could open the door for Tzolis – who would cost Arsenal around £35m, although the Gunners are reportedly also interested in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal are not the only club to be interested in the former Canary.
“Tzolis is keen on a move to Arsenal,” said Romano. “There was another club trying to enter the race over the recent days, trying to understand if they can advance in negotiations to sign Tzolis from Club Brugge.”
“But the answer arrived from the player’s camp has been: ‘we are waiting for Arsenal’, and so is giving priority to the Gunners as a serious possibility to eventually replace Leandro Trossard.”
Greek sports journalists Dimitris Manakos says on X: “My information is that Arsenal will submit an official bid for Christos Tzolis very soon, and it’s expected to be accepted.”