Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko has made his feelings clear regarding star forward Christos Tzolis’ imminent move to Arsenal. The Gunners are reportedly set to sign the 24-year-old Greece international in a £33.8 million deal, as per the Standard.
Ivan Leko has all but confirmed the winger’s departure as he was absent in Club Brugge’s 3-2 defeat against Heerenveen in a pre-season friendly on Friday, July 17. He admitted that he is sad to lose such a brilliant player and backed him to succeed at Arsenal.
Leko has lavished praise on the former Norwich City star for how hard he trained and how well he progressed during his stint at the Jan Breydel Stadium. The Croatian manager has tipped the Greek winger to showcase his talent in the Premier League and the Champions League. Leko said, as quoted by the Standard:
“(I am) very happy for him. I am very sad for me on one side, because we are losing a top player. This is one fantastic example of somebody who was first coming on the training base, last staying there. Every training was like game for him, giving so much for his career, and then you get the reward to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.”
Leko added:
“(It is a) big thing for him, big thing for Club Brugge, big thing for Belgian football. Good lesson for all young boys that we have, that in football you need to work. Stop the talk, work, try to do everything to improve yourself day by day, exactly what Christos was doing.”
The Club Brugge managed concluded:
“I am convinced that he will have his minutes, that he will show some highest level in the Premier League and Champions League at Arsenal, and he will show that he is a top player and absolutely deserves to go and be there.”
Tzolis joined Club Brugge in 2024 in a deal worth a reported €6 million from Norwich City. During his time at the Belgian club, he established himself as one of the best players in the league scoring 43 goals and providing 45 assists in 108 appearances.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a brilliant 2025-26 season, scoring 22 times and producing 29 assists in 52 games, helping his side win the Belgian Pro League. He is expected to replace Leandro Trossard at Arsenal following the Belgian’s move to Besiktas this summer.
Nacho Monreal urges Arsenal to sign FIFA World Cup star for whatever the price
Former Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal has urged the Gunners to do everything in their power to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. Rogers has been the subject of interest from the Gunners but Villans are expected to demand north of £100 million for his services.
Nacho Monreal has claimed that Rogers is one of the best players in the Premier League. He has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to secure the 23-year-old’s signature regardless of how much he would cost. The Spaniard said:
“Morgan Rogers is one of those players that Arsenal should look to sign for whatever price. He’s young and he did unbelievably last season for Villa. He’s already one of the best players in the league and in the future he’s going to continue being that because he’s special. He has something very special.”
Morgan Rogers has proved to be a wonderful bargain for Aston Villa, who paid only £8 million for his signature in February 2024. He has scored 31 goals and provided 29 assists in 132 appearances for Unai Emery’s side since his move from Middlesbrough.
Edited by Snehanjan Banerjee
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