Arsenal revealed they will complete a major signing on Monday as Arteta begins pre-season
Arsenal's transfer window is slowly expanding as Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of defending their long-awaited Premier League title.
The Gunners have already strengthened their defense by making a permanent move for Piero Hincapie and adding goalkeeper Illan Meslier, while work continues to strengthen the attack.
Morgan Rogers has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, while Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is high on Arteta's midfield wish list.
The exits have also shaped the summer, with Leandro Trossard officially joining Besiktas and Arsenal remaining open to cutting their squad ahead of the deadline.
Even after the important business, sports director Andrea Berta still aimed for more fireworks in the final third, especially as Trossard went out the door.
Now, they may replace the Belgian player soon.
Arsenal are said to be set to complete the signing of Christos Tzolis on Monday
One name that is quickly moving towards the Emirates is Christos Tzolis.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Konstantinos Lianos has built a growing reputation for reporting on Greek footballers and transfer developments involving Premier League clubs. Although he hasn't been watched as well as Europe's top transfer journalists, many of his recent reports have been corroborated by information later confirmed by reputable outlets. |
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Finance |
Reports have been suggesting that Arsenal are worth around £35 million, which would represent a record sale for Club Brugge and a huge transfer involving the Greek player. Trossard's departure will also help offset part of the cost, allowing Arsenal to continue to pursue more attacking targets. |
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Understanding |
Tzolis has changed since his ordeal at Norwich. Now 24, he is a very complete striker, able to score, create and press hard in wide areas. His performances in Belgium and Europe have shown more maturity, consistency and decision-making than ever before in his career. |
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Impact |
If Arsenal complete the signing, Tzolis will provide real competition on the left side while easing the workload on Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka during a difficult season. His goal threat and intelligence will also provide Arteta with another reliable attacking option as Arsenal compete in more competitions. |
Greek journalist Konstantinos Lianos says the Club Brugge winger's transfer to Arsenal is expected to progress quickly and could be finalized on Monday, July 20, when the club officially begins pre-season preparations following the World Cup.
According to Lianos, Arteta will soon have a clear picture of his available squad, allowing Arsenal to move the deal forward.
The latest update is in line with a growing body of reporting surrounding Greece's international presence.
Arsenal have been tracking Tzolis for several weeks, with many reliable outlets reporting ongoing contact between the club and the player's representatives.
Fabrizio Romano also revealed that the winger wants this decision, while BBC Sport reported that Club Brugge are waiting for a formal offer after Trossard's expected departure.
Christos Tzolis would be the perfect replacement for Leandro Trossard
Tzolis has rebuilt his career in impressive fashion since leaving Norwich City.
After regaining his confidence in Germany with Fortuna Düsseldorf, he has flourished in Belgium, developing into one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.
Last season he put up outstanding numbers in the domestic and European competitions, including clinical finishing with artistic quality from the left side as he bagged 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 games.
Importantly, Arsenal don't seem to be looking at him as a signing that brings out other attacking additions.
The Gunners are always interested in signing another striker, with Rogers and Bradley Barcola both continuing to feature in transfer talks.
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Instead, Tzolis is seen as growing competition and provides Arteta with greater depth across the front line after Trossard's exit.
Time can now be an important factor.
With Arsenal's players slowly returning from international duty, the club can finalize a few remaining decisions before the season begins in earnest.
If Lianos' latest information proves to be accurate, Tzolis could soon become another key piece of Arteta's attack.
