Report: Arsenal interested in move for Premier League defender

Report: Arsenal interested in move for Premier League defender Arsenal Agree Christos Tzolis Deal as Saliba Fitness Concern Shapes Transfer Plans Arsenal are moving quickly in the market, with the Guardian reporting that a deal worth up to €40m, £34m, has been agreed with Club Brugge for Christos Tzolis. The Greece international is poised to arrive as the replacement for Leandro Trossard, whose move to Besiktas for €18m, £15.3m, was confirmed this week. While an official bid has yet to be lodged, the key elements appear advanced. Arsenal have verbally agreed to meet Brugge’s valuation, and the 24-year-old is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before signing a long-term contract. Tzolis, who scored 22 goals last season, offers proven output and familiarity with English football after his earlier spell at Norwich. Photo IMAGO Christos Tzolis Transfer Nears Completion The expectation is that Tzolis will come in as a direct left-sided option, filling the space created by Trossard’s exit. Arsenal are still expected to add further attacking depth, with interest retained in Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez. The competition there is significant, with Real Madrid and Barcelona also credited with interest. Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola are among the other names under consideration. Rogers would be a major investment. Villa are thought to want more than £100m for the England international, a figure that underlines the scale of Arsenal’s ambition, and the complexity of any deal. Arsenal Weighing Up Konsa Move Amid Saliba Injury Woes There is also a separate, pressing issue at centre-back. Arsenal are stepping up attempts to sign defensive cover amid concern that William Saliba could miss the start of the season because of ongoing back problems. Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain after breaking down early in the second half. The defender admitted he has been “gritting his teeth” and managing the problem for some time. Reports in France have suggested surgery may be required, although Arsenal are expected to make their own checks before reaching that conclusion. Ezri Konsa is one of the players admired internally and would offer versatility as well as Premier League-level reliability, according to the Guardian . Photo IMAGO Fitness Issues Around Rice and Saka Need Careful Handling Beyond Saliba, Arsenal have “major concerns” over Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka after both played through pain at the World Cup. Both are expected to receive extended rest after Saturday’s third-place playoff against France, a decision that may prove as important as any signing made this summer. Squad building is only part of the equation. Availability, workload and timing are shaping Arsenal’s window, and Tzolis may be the first move in a broader plan to protect the team’s level across a demanding campaign. Our View From an Arsenal perspective, this feels like a sensible start, but it also raises bigger questions about the direction of the squad. Tzolis is clearly not arriving with the same profile as some of the glamour names being mentioned, yet 22 goals last season demands attention. If the club believe he can replace Trossard’s output and still leave room for another forward arrival, there is logic to it. The more worrying part of this report is Saliba. Hearing that he has been “gritting his teeth” is the sort of line that instantly puts fans on edge. Arsenal have seen before how one major defensive absence can alter the whole balance of a season. If there is any chance he misses the opening weeks, then signing cover becomes essential, not optional. There is also a broader concern around Rice and Saka. Supporters will admire their commitment, but nobody wants to see key players dragged through another season on half-full batteries. Extended rest sounds wise, and Arsenal need to be ruthless about protecting them. Overall, this reads like a window that is being shaped by both opportunity and risk. Tzolis could be smart business, especially at £34m, but fans will hope this is only one part of a bigger plan. Another attacker, a dependable defender and proper management of the squad’s fitness will decide whether Arsenal are merely reacting, or building something strong enough to go the distance.