Arsenal Near Christos Tzolis Deal as Saliba Concern Shapes Transfer Plans

What happened:

Watch the highlights:

The Guardian reports that Arsenal have agreed a deal worth up to €40m, or £34m, with Club Brugge to sign Christos Tzolis. The report says an official bid has not yet been submitted, but Arsenal have verbally agreed to pay the Belgian club's asking price.

Tzolis is expected to have a medical in the coming days and sign a long-term contract, according to the report. The Greece international scored 22 goals last season and usually plays on the left flank. He is being lined up as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard, whose move to Besiktas was confirmed this week for €18m, or £15.3m.

Why it matters:

This is a squad-shape move as much as a talent move. Arsenal are not just adding another attacker; they are replacing a specific left-sided option after Trossard's departure. Tzolis' production last season gives the transfer a clear sporting logic, but the deal is not yet complete because the Guardian's report says the official bid still has to follow the verbal agreement.

The timing also matters. Pre-season squad building is about certainty. If Trossard has already gone and Tzolis is expected to arrive quickly, Arsenal are trying to avoid leaving a gap in attacking rotation before the new season begins.

Tournament impact:

For Arsenal's domestic and European campaign planning, the key implication is depth. A forward who can operate from the left flank gives the manager another route through congested fixture periods, especially when matches stack up across league, cup and continental competition.

But the more urgent competitive risk may be at the other end. The Guardian also reports that Arsenal will step up attempts to sign defensive cover because of concerns that William Saliba could miss the start of the new season with ongoing back issues. That does not confirm Saliba will be unavailable, but it does explain why Arsenal may be acting with more urgency in defence.

What to watch:

There are two separate checkpoints. First, the Tzolis deal still needs the official bid, medical and contract steps. A verbal agreement on fee is important, but it is not the same as a completed transfer.

Second, Arsenal's defensive search will reveal how worried the club is about Saliba's condition. A short-term cover signing would suggest caution. A more substantial defensive addition would point to a broader squad-planning decision, especially if the club believes the start of the season could arrive before Saliba is ready.

Confidence:

Confirmed by The Guardian: Arsenal have verbally agreed to pay Club Brugge's asking price for Tzolis, the package is worth up to €40m (£34m), Trossard has departed for Besiktas, and Arsenal are concerned enough about Saliba's back issue to seek defensive cover. Still to follow: official bid submission, medical completion, final contract signing, and clarity on Saliba's availability.