Arsenal accelerate pursuit of Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis

Arsenal’s negotiations to sign Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis are reportedly set to accelerate, with the club moving ahead of Liverpool in the race for the Greek international. Journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed on X that the potential deal, valued between £30 million and £35 million, is gaining momentum. This development marks a significant shift in the transfer landscape, as Arsenal’s interest has now reportedly surpassed that of the Reds, despite Tzolis previously indicating a willingness to join Liverpool.

The proposed acquisition does not appear to impact Arsenal’s concurrent efforts to secure Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers. Jacobs noted that the pursuit of Tzolis will have no negative effect on the Gunners’ push to bring Rogers to north London, suggesting a robust and diversified recruitment strategy. This simultaneous activity highlights Arsenal’s capacity to manage multiple high-profile targets without compromising their broader squad planning.

Tzolis, a versatile attacker capable of operating on the left, right, or centrally, has been a standout performer for Club Brugge in the Belgian top-flight. His importance to the national side was underscored by Stephen Kountourou, host of the Hellas Football Podcast, who described the winger as the “biggest key man” for Greece ahead of their 2025 clash with Scotland. Kountourou praised Tzolis for bringing the creativity and dynamism on the wing that the national team has lacked, noting his excellent form despite a less impactful showing in the first leg of a Champions League tie against Aston Villa.

While the Liverpool Echo had previously reported that Tzolis was being touted as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, the Reds’ recruitment challenges have become more apparent. Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG star Bradley Barcola is expected to consume a significant portion of their summer budget, potentially limiting their ability to secure accessible deals elsewhere. The club is reportedly considering rotational options to support Alexander Isak, with Victor Munoz and Barcola viewed as right-sided candidates, and Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha as left-sided alternatives.

Despite Tzolis’s previous comments favouring a move to a “crazy team” like Liverpool, the current trajectory points toward north London. The exact status of negotiations between Arsenal and Club Brugge remains unconfirmed, with reports indicating that talks are accelerating rather than being concluded. The final transfer fee remains an estimate, and it is unclear if Tzolis has formally agreed to the move or if his prior sentiments regarding Liverpool still hold weight in current discussions.