Arsenal explore £34.5m deal for ex-EFL man who has already rejected Premier League rivals

Arsenal are exploring a deal for Club Brugge sensation Christos Tzolis, talkSPORT understands.

The Premier League champions are looking to strengthen for a title defence next season, with the Belgians wanting close to £35million.

Getty

Tzolis previously played for Norwich City and made 14 Premier League appearances in the 2021/22 season, but didn’t score a goal.

He netted just three goals in 30 outings for the club and then signed for Fortuna Düsseldorf in a loan move that later became permanent.

Tzolis joined Club Brugge in July 2024 and has been a big success in Belgium with 43 goals and 45 assists bagged across 108 matches.

The 24-year-old also has international experience, having won 34 caps with the Greece national team.

Crystal Palace were reportedly keen on signing Tzolis, but he has shut down the prospect of moving to Selhurst Park.

“Our coach always says that a train always rushes on,” he said during an interview with Het Nieuwsblad about Palace reigniting interest.

“You have one chance at the station to jump on board, so I believe the Crystal Palace train has passed for me.

“Actually, my teammates didn’t believe I would stay last year, even though it was an easy decision.”

Manchester United are also said to be interested, and Tzolis said that they ‘could certainly convince’ him.

How would Tzolis affect Arsenal’s transfer plans?

talkSPORT understands that any Arsenal move for Tzolis this summer would not impact a potential future deal for Morgan Rogers.

The Gunners are ready to step up their interest in the Aston Villa star, who is currently at the World Cup with England.

Getty

Getty

Rogers is a versatile forward for club and country, and it’s understood that preliminary talks with his advisors have already taken place.

He is a leading target for Arsenal, who also have Bradley Barcola and Eli Junior Kroupi on their list.

Liverpool are also tracking Barcola, with Paris Saint-Germain prepared to consider selling if they bring in another attacker.

Julian Alvarez is a dream target for Arsenal, but Atletico Madrid recently rejected a €150m bid from Real Madrid for the Argentine.

As talkSPORT reported earlier in the month, Arsenal are in advanced talks with Leicester City to sign Jeremy Monga.

United have also been interested in the 16-year-old, but he prefers a move to the new Premier League winners.