Who Is Christos Tzolis? Arsenal's New Set-Piece Ace Shining After Club Brugge Success

Arsenal has started bolstering their squad ahead of the upcoming season, focusing on the left wing position. After clinching the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 and reaching the Champions League final, they aim to maintain that momentum into 2026/27.

Leandro Trossard played a key part in their title run but, at 31, his Premier League output of six goals and six assists over 2,000 minutes wasn’t quite consistent enough. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli has struggled to deliver steady performances. With Trossard now transferred to Besiktas, Arsenal sought reinforcements.

Meet Christos Tzolis, the latest signing expected to challenge Martinelli for the left wing spot and possibly outperform Trossard.

A Quick Look at Christos Tzolis’ Career

Tzolis, 24, began at PAOK Thessaloniki, his hometown club in Greece. He featured 57 times before moving to Norwich City for around €11 million ($12.5m). In one season there, he played 30 games and scored three goals but was then loaned out twice: first to FC Twente in the Netherlands, then to Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany.

The German stint flourished, leading to a permanent move worth about €3.5 million ($4m). Tzolis netted 24 goals in 37 appearances, attracting attention from Belgian powerhouse Club Brugge. They signed him in summer 2024 for €6.5 million ($7.4m), doubling Düsseldorf’s investment within a year.

At Club Brugge, Tzolis truly stood out, making 108 appearances over two seasons with 43 goals and 45 assists. His Champions League debut came there too; in 21 appearances, he scored three goals and assisted four. During the 2024/25 knockout stages, he provided key assists against Atalanta and Aston Villa. Last campaign, he scored against Atlético Madrid.

Transfer Details and Contract

Arsenal reportedly paid about £34 million (€39.8m/$45.7m) for Tzolis. Upon joining, he agreed to a five-year contract.

Playing Style and Versatility

Primarily a left winger, Tzolis is seen as a direct replacement for Trossard. He can also operate as a striker, a No. 10, or switch to the right wing when needed. Beyond positioning, his set-piece skills stand out—he created 52 chances from corners and free kicks last season at Club Brugge.

To put that in perspective, Arsenal’s top set-piece creators, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, combined for 39 chances from dead-ball situations in the Premier League last season.

Christos Tzolis’ Club Brugge Stats

Christos Tzolis' Greek name might be tricky for English speakers. His first name sounds more like "KREES-tos" rather than "CHRIS-tos." The initial 'T' in his last name is silent, so it’s pronounced "ZOH-lis."