Arsenal have finalised the £34m acquisition of Greece international Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, according to reporting by Mike Jones on 1 August 2026. The 24-year-old arrives as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, bolstering manager Mikel Arteta’s attacking options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Christos Tzolis Completes £34m Move to Arsenal
Following a prolific spell in Belgium where he scored 43 goals in 108 appearances for Club Brugge, Tzolis expressed his excitement over the £34m transfer to the English champions. According to quotes published by Mike Jones on 1 August 2026, the player admitted he needed time to process the move to a major Premier League club. He also detailed a one-hour conversation with Arteta regarding team plans and his role within the squad.
Club Brugge faced Arteta’s side in the Champions League last season, a match where Tzolis featured. Sporting Director Andrea Berta praised the Greece international’s versatility, noting his ability to operate across the front line, his two-footed finishing, and his technical proficiency in tight spaces, as reported by Mike Jones on 1 August 2026.
Pro Tip: When evaluating pre-season signings, look at how quickly new arrivals integrate into tactical systems. Tzolis has already featured for Arsenal, setting up a goal in a 3-0 win over MK Dons ahead of their fixture against Girona.
Pre-Season Preparations and Girona Fixture
Arsenal face Girona at the Estadi Montilivi on Saturday, 1 August 2026, kicking off at 7pm BST, according to Mike Jones. Fans can stream the pre-season friendly via Arsenal.com by purchasing a pass for £14.99, or £9.99 if bought before 9am on matchday. The pass also covers upcoming fixtures against Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como.
Ahead of the match, Arsenal’s early team news highlights several arrivals and absences. Piero Hincapie, Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyokeres have rejoined the squad following World Cup duty and are in contention to play. However, defensive options remain stretched due to injuries.
Defensive Injury Concerns Deepen for Mikel Arteta
Jurrien Timber has left Arsenal’s pre-season camp in Spain for a medical check-up regarding a long-standing groin injury, according to Mike Jones on 1 August 2026. Timber missed the final two months of the previous campaign, made a substitute appearance in the Champions League final defeat to PSG, and subsequently missed the World Cup.
Timber’s departure compounds defensive issues for Arteta. Ben White also left the camp carrying a fresh problem, while William Saliba remains sidelined for a number of months due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup, as reported by Mike Jones.
Did You Know? Girona welcomed back Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi from World Cup duty ahead of the friendly, setting up a potential midfield clash against Donny van de Beek.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Arsenal pay for Christos Tzolis?
According to Mike Jones on 1 August 2026, Arsenal finalised the acquisition of Christos Tzolis for a fee of £34m from Club Brugge.
How can I watch Girona vs Arsenal?
The pre-season friendly on 1 August 2026 can be streamed live on Arsenal.com through the club’s pre-season pass.
Why did Jurrien Timber leave the Arsenal pre-season camp?
According to Mike Jones, Timber left the camp in Spain to receive a check-up on a long-standing groin problem.
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