Arsenal are preparing for significant changes in their attacking department, as the club continues to reshape Mikel Arteta’s squad. Leandro Trossard has already been given permission to complete his move to Besiktas, signaling an imminent departure from the Emirates.
Alongside this development, the Gunners remain very keen on signing Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis this summer. This interest persists regardless of whether they complete other ambitious deals for players such as Morgan Rogers or Bradley Barcola.
Attacking Departures and Squad Reshaping
The permission granted to Leandro Trossard for his move to Besiktas highlights an evolving landscape within Arsenal’s forward line. Furthermore, the club remains open to offers for both Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, as Andrea Berta continues the process of reshaping Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Mikel Arteta has made one point abundantly clear during discussions with the club’s hierarchy, indicating his desire not to sacrifice squad depth. The Arsenal boss has told sporting director Berta that he wants greater competition across the forward line, rather than fewer attacking options.
This approach comes after seeing the strength of his options prove decisive during last season’s outstanding campaign. Sources indicate that Berta is fully aligned with that vision, as the club explores ways to strengthen both the quality and depth of their squad.
Pursuing Christos Tzolis
Arsenal’s pursuit of Christos Tzolis appears to be a consistent theme in their transfer strategy. We exclusively revealed earlier this summer that the Gunners had emerged as frontrunners for the former Norwich City star, moving ahead of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the race for his signature.
Sources have confirmed that Arsenal continue to view Tzolis as a genuine target, even as they push ahead with ambitious moves for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with an opening bid expected soon for the England international, and Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola.
The 24-year-old Greek international has established himself as one of Europe’s most productive wide forwards since arriving in Belgium. Across the past two seasons, Tzolis has amassed a remarkable return of 43 goals and 45 assists in all competitions, numbers that have placed him firmly on the radar of several elite clubs across Europe.
Club Brugge are preparing for the likelihood that Tzolis departs before the transfer window closes. The Belgian champions are willing to sanction a sale, provided their valuation is met.
The club is demanding what would become a record transfer fee for the Belgian Pro League. That benchmark currently stands at the €37.5million (£32.5m / $43.6m) AC Milan paid to sign Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge in 2022. Given the level of interest, there is growing confidence a deal of that magnitude for Tzolis can be achieved.
Broader Ambitions and Arteta’s Vision
While Arsenal continue to pursue headline-grabbing additions such as Rogers and Barcola, sources confirm Tzolis remains very much part of the club’s transfer thinking. He features prominently in plans to strengthen both the quality and depth of the squad, alongside one marquee arrival.
Arteta’s clear stance on not sacrificing squad depth and his desire for greater competition across the forward line underpins the club’s approach. Sporting director Berta is fully aligned with this vision, aiming to bolster the team’s options.
Rather than replacing outgoing players on a like-for-like basis, Arsenal are actively exploring ways to enhance their squad. This strategy aims to ensure that the club maintains a robust and competitive attacking department as the new season approaches.