Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Greek international winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge on a long-term contract.
The Premier League champions paid £34m for the 24-year-old, a figure Sky Sports report represents a record fee in the Belgian Pro League.
Tzolis arrives at the Emirates Stadium as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard, who has departed for Besiktas this summer.
Last season, Arsenal’s left-wing options of Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and the versatile Noni Madueke contributed a combined total of just 10 Premier League goals between them.
The lack of attacking output from the left flank made signing a more prolific wide forward a clear priority for manager Mikel Arteta heading into the summer window.
Tzolis was one of the most productive attackers in European football last season, registering 22 goals and 29 assists for Brugge across all competitions.
His 51 goal contributions ranked third among forwards in Europe’s major leagues, behind only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane with 68 and Michael Olise with 53.
Speaking after completing his move, Tzolis made clear his excitement at joining the English champions, describing the transfer as a dream realised.
“I need some time to realise, I think!” he said. “It’s absolutely amazing to sign for such a big club, the champions of England. I’m very proud to be part of this team for the next season.”
He also revealed that a lengthy conversation with Arteta played a significant role in convincing him to make the switch to north London.
“I had a nice conversation [with Mikel Arteta]. It was around an hour. We talked about everything: about the club, about myself, about his plans, about me, of course, about the team. It was only positive things.”
Tzolis added that he is already looking ahead to making his mark on matchdays at the Emirates Stadium with his new supporters.
“I’m very proud to be part of this amazing team. I’m looking forward to meeting everybody on the pitch, at the stadium and to score my first goal at the Emirates.”
Tzolis has been assigned the No. 17 shirt and has already begun training alongside his new teammates ahead of the upcoming campaign.
His arrival is expected to give Arteta a considerably greater goal threat from the left flank, comparable in output to what Bukayo Saka provides on the opposite wing.