Who is Christos Tzolis? Arsenal’s New Left Wing Threat and Set-Piece Specialist

After clinching the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 and reaching the Champions League final, Arsenal started reinforcing their squad early to prepare for the 2026/27 season. One of the key areas they focused on was the left wing, where Leandro Trossard had a notable role during the title run. Despite his six goals and six assists in the Premier League, his contribution felt insufficient over 2,000 minutes on the pitch. With Gabriel Martinelli also struggling with consistency and Trossard moving to Besiktas, fresh talent became necessary.

Introducing Christos Tzolis

Christos Tzolis, 24 years old, is the latest addition to Arsenal’s attacking options. He comes from a football background rooted at PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece, where he made 57 appearances before transferring to Norwich City for around €11 million ($12.5m). After a season at Norwich featuring 30 games and three goals, he was loaned out to FC Twente in the Netherlands and then to Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany.

The move to Dusseldorf became permanent for €3.5 million ($4m), and Tzolis thrived there, scoring 24 goals in 37 matches. This form attracted Belgian powerhouse Club Brugge, who signed him in summer 2024 for €6.5 million ($7.4m). His two seasons at Brugge saw him explode onto the scene with 108 appearances, 43 goals, and 45 assists across all competitions.

Champions League Impact and Arsenal Transfer

Tzolis made his mark in Europe’s top competition during his time at Club Brugge, appearing 21 times, scoring three goals, and assisting four. In the 2024/25 knockout stages, he set up goals against Atalanta and Aston Villa, and the following season, he scored versus Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal reportedly paid about £34 million (€39.8m/$45.7m) for Tzolis, who committed to a five-year deal upon arrival.

Position and Playing Style

Primarily a left winger, Tzolis is seen as a direct replacement for Trossard. Yet, his versatility allows him to play as a striker, No. 10, or even switch to the right wing. A standout trait is his expertise with set pieces; last season alone, he created 52 chances from corners and free-kicks for Club Brugge.

To put that into perspective, Premier League stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice combined for only 39 chances from dead-ball situations during the same period.

How to Say His Name

Greek pronunciation might trip some up. His first name sounds like "KREES-tos" rather than "CHRIS-tos." The last name drops the T sound entirely, pronounced "ZOH-lis."