Meet Christos Tzolis: Arsenal's New Set-Piece Specialist Who Shone in the Champions League with Club Brugge
Arsenal has started reinforcing their squad ahead of the upcoming season, focusing particularly on the left-wing position. After clinching their first Premier League title since 2004 and reaching the Champions League final, the club is determined to build on that momentum.
Leandro Trossard played a key role last season, but at 31 years old, and despite a decent World Cup showing, his Premier League output—six goals and six assists over more than 2,000 minutes—left room for improvement. With Gabriel Martinelli also struggling for consistency and Trossard’s recent transfer to Besiktas, Arsenal sought fresh options.
The spotlight now turns to Christos Tzolis, the new signing expected to compete with Martinelli and potentially offer an upgrade on the departed Trossard.
Who Is Christos Tzolis?
Born in Greece, 24-year-old Christos Tzolis started his football journey at PAOK in Thessaloniki. He made 57 appearances there before moving to Norwich City for around €11 million ($12.5 million). His stint in England lasted one season, during which he scored three goals in 30 games. Subsequent loan spells followed: first at FC Twente in the Netherlands, then at Germany’s Fortuna Düsseldorf.
The German chapter proved transformative. After a loan period, Düsseldorf signed him permanently for about €3.5 million ($4 million). Tzolis thrived, netting 24 goals in 37 matches. His performance caught the eye of Belgium's Club Brugge, who acquired him in summer 2024 for €6.5 million ($7.4 million), doubling Düsseldorf’s investment in just a year.
At Club Brugge, Tzolis truly made his mark. Over two seasons, he featured in 108 games, scoring 43 goals and providing 45 assists. His Champions League experience includes 21 appearances, with three goals and four assists. Noteworthy moments include setting up decisive knockout-stage goals against Atalanta and Aston Villa in 2024/25 and scoring against Atlético Madrid recently.
Transfer Details and Role at Arsenal
Arsenal reportedly paid about £34 million (€39.8 million/$45.7 million) for Tzolis. Upon arrival, he committed to a five-year deal.
Tzolis primarily plays as a left winger, the spot vacated by Trossard. He offers versatility too—capable of playing as a striker, a No. 10, or switching to the right wing. His set-piece prowess stands out; last season, he created 52 chances from corners and free kicks for Club Brugge. To put this in perspective, Arsenal’s own Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice combined for only 39 such opportunities.
Christos Tzolis created 52 chances from set plays for Club Brugge last season in the Belgian Pro League. For Arsenal in the Premier League, Declan Rice created 27 and Bukayo Saka 12.— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 17, 2026
Since Tzolis is Greek, English speakers might find his name tricky. His first name sounds closer to "KREES-tos" rather than "CHRIS-tos." The 'T' in his surname is silent, so it’s pronounced "ZOH-lis."
