Five years ago, few would have predicted that Christos Tzolis would become a key figure in Arsenal's attacking revival. Back then, as a 19-year-old making his Premier League debut for Norwich City at the Emirates, he barely had a shot on target as Arsenal ground out a nervy 1-0 win during a difficult start to the season under Mikel Arteta. That victory proved pivotal, helping steady Arteta's position at a time when Arsenal sat bottom of the table.
Fast forward to today, and the two parties find themselves on the same side. Tzolis, now 24, has emerged as one of Arsenal's most eye-catching attacking additions this summer following his £34 million move from Club Brugge. His rise has been dramatic, and his numbers in Belgium speak for themselves: 22 goals and 29 assists in all competitions last season, though it should be noted the Belgian league ranks as the seventh strongest in the world according to Opta.
What has struck those inside Arsenal is not just Tzolis' end product but his adaptability across the front line, his comfort on both feet, and the technical polish he brings—qualities reminiscent of Leandro Trossard. His personality and attitude also left a strong impression on Arteta and the coaching staff during the negotiation process.
Tzolis' underlying stats have been remarkable. He has scored or assisted in each of his last 15 competitive appearances, contributing to 25 goal involvements across that stretch—a level of consistency Arsenal have often lacked in their forward line, even during last season's title triumph. Gabriel Martinelli managed just a single Premier League goal all campaign, while only Viktor Gyokeres surpassed seven league goals. Martin Odegaard topped Arsenal's assist charts with just six.
Injuries have also disrupted continuity for Arsenal's attackers in recent years, whereas Tzolis missed just five matches across two seasons at Brugge, three of which were due to illness—underlining his reliability as much as his talent.
His early performances in an Arsenal shirt have matched the hype. After benefiting from a head start in pre-season training and a farewell friendly with Brugge, Tzolis linked up quickly with his new teammates, providing assists in matches against Borussia Dortmund and Real Betis before opening his goal account against Girona with a curling finish.
The Community Shield offered a sterner test, and Tzolis rose to the occasion. His clever header teed up Kai Havertz for Arsenal's second goal, before he turned provider again for Odegaard inside the box. Wearing the No. 17 shirt and drifting inside from the left with close control, there were unmistakable echoes of former Arsenal favorite Alexis Sanchez in his play.
"He's fitting, he's a really intelligent boy and he has a massive quality which is when he's in the last 20-30 metres," Arteta said after the match. "He's so composed to pick people out around the box or to finish actions. I'm really impressed with him."
Tzolis himself has embraced the comparison to Sanchez, revealing that the Chilean's legacy at the club played a small role in his shirt choice. "Actually, I knew that he wore the number 17. I watched a lot of football and he was a top player for Arsenal, as a left winger always," Tzolis said. "He's one of the players I looked up to when I was younger. And also, I see some similarities with him. But it's not the reason I took the number 17. It's nice, though. Alexis Sanchez had number 17—so I hope I will have the same success."
With Riccardo Calafiori pushing forward from left-back, Arsenal appear to be building a more balanced left-hand side after years of leaning heavily on Bukayo Saka and Odegaard from the right. Should Arsenal add further attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes, competition for places will only intensify—Martinelli remains an option if he stays, and Eberechi Eze could also feature on that flank. For now, though, the left-wing role looks like Tzolis' to lose, and Arsenal will hope his hot start is a sign of things to come as they aim to defend their Premier League crown.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.