Arsenal Tracking Christos Tzolis in Belgium as Transfer Plans Rely on Player Departures

The reports linking Christos Tzolis with Newcastle United have now been confirmed by multiple Greek outlets, as has the fact that the Greek forward would not be particularly excited by a move to St James’ Park.

But what if Arsenal came calling?

Because right now, the Premier League champions are monitoring him closely, they like what they see, and they are waiting to make decisions depending on what happens with outgoing transfers.

Newcastle's interest confirmed, but Tzolis was never convinced

Less than a month ago, SportsBoom exclusively revealed that Christos Tzolis had become a genuine Premier League target.

There were several reports connecting him with clubs in England, but at that specific moment, Newcastle United were the club with the strongest interest.

Back then, SportsBoom reported that the Greek attacker had attracted the attention of the Magpies and that if Anthony Gordon left the club, Tzolis would move straight to the top of Eddie Howe’s shortlist as a replacement.

Essentially, that part proved to be accurate.

The part that never really happened? Tzolis himself showing major interest in the move.

The former PAOK and Norwich City forward, now starring for Club Brugge, has different priorities. He wants to leave Belgium, but only under certain conditions. He wants guarantees regarding playing time and, perhaps even more importantly, he wants to continue competing in the Champions League next season.

That was far from guaranteed at Newcastle and, as things stand, St James’ Park is not a destination that particularly appeals to him.

The Premier League remains firmly on his mind

On the other hand, what has certainly not disappeared from Tzolis’ thinking is the prospect of returning to the Premier League.

He is far more prepared than he was when he first joined Norwich City. 

He is more mature, more experienced, psychologically stronger and carries far greater status in European football than he did a few years ago.

What SportsBoom can reveal today is that a transfer is expected to happen.

However, it is likely to take time.

Tzolis is almost certain to leave Club Brugge after helping the Belgian giants win the league title and emerging as arguably their standout performer during the Championship Play-Offs. 

But he will not rush his decision. He intends to examine every option before choosing the next step in his career.

Arsenal waiting on sales, but has already sent scouts

That patience could benefit one particular club.

And that club is Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

The Premier League champions are expected to sanction player sales this summer, and there is a realistic possibility that the left side of their attack could undergo significant changes.

Leandro Trossard is attracting interest from two Premier League clubs, while Gabriel Martinelli, although currently more likely to stay, continues to be monitored by clubs in Saudi Arabia.

If Martinelli leaves, or especially if both players depart, Arsenal will almost certainly enter the market for a left winger who operates on his stronger right foot and still possesses considerable room for development.

Tzolis fits that profile.

According to SportsBoom sources, Arsenal scouts have watched the Greek international on at least two occasions this season, with the winger making a very positive impression.

The Arsenal connection and the impressions from Belgium

Tzolis has already faced Arsenal as an opponent and is believed to have been impressed by what he saw.

Interestingly, he was also one of the very few Greek internationals, alongside goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, who publicly backed Arsenal ahead of the Champions League final.

He even predicted the game would be decided on penalties. The prediction was wrong, but his support for the North London side inevitably sparked discussion regarding a potential future move to the Emirates.

Those close to the situation believe several aspects of Arsenal’s project appeal to him: a young manager, a squad that feels like a family, consistent title challenges, Champions League ambitions and the possibility of establishing himself as the first-choice left winger.

So where does that leave things?

Tzolis’ departure from Club Brugge is expected to be one of the stories of the summer. There will be no shortage of interested clubs.

But if there is one Premier League side currently keeping a closer eye on him than the rest, it is Arsenal.

And the information reaching SportsBoom suggests the club’s scouts returned from Belgium with notebooks full of positive observations and plenty of plus signs next to Tzolis’ name.