Arsenal investigating Christos Tzolis – does Mikel Arteta have the skills needed?

Christos Tzolis was one of the best attackers in European football last season. The 24-year-old Club Brugge forward has registered 40 goal contributions — 17 goals, 23 assists — in 36 matches. In Europe's fifth domestic league, only Harry Kane (41, including 36 goals) had more. As such, Arsenal may be interested in him, My Chapter reported last week.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossart, Tzolis' preferred replacement, combined for 19 goals and 17 assists in 53 and 50 appearances in the 2025–26 season. Mikel Arteta has the key 'macro' attributes he needs, as has been the case with Tzolis. But can he multiply them in the more demanding Premier League?

Tzolis has scored three goals in 30 appearances (none in 14 Premier League appearances) during two seasons at Norwich City. Over the past three years, he has enjoyed a stint as his team's leading scorer at German second-tier side Fortuna Dusseldorf and the following two seasons at Club Brugge.

Many of Tzolis' 24 goals were scored by the fierce guru at the back. This indicates that he bides his time and knows when and where to strike.

When he plays at Club Brugge, Tzolis combines well with his flanks and left centers.

Tzolis, Altered Fortuna, joins the left flank and the central players on the left, attacking the enemy's rear with force.

Tzolis' pace, physicality, versatility and defensive awareness have been fundamental to Arsenal's recent success. With Tzolis having made little impact in his first foray into English football, the big question is how his skills will translate to the Premier League. Tzolis' 'macro' skills suggest that Arsenal striker Victor Giocares won't make the cut in the Premier League.

With Arsenal also interested in Tzolis, it is important to focus more on him.