A verbal agreement worth up to €40m (£34m) has been reached between Arsenal and Club Brugge for the transfer of Christos Tzolis, who is set to replace Leandro Trossard. The club is also accelerating its search for defensive reinforcements amid worries that William Saliba’s persistent back problem could rule him out of the opening games of the upcoming campaign.
While a formal proposal for Tzolis has yet to be lodged, it appears Arsenal have accepted the Belgian side’s valuation. The 24-year-old Greek international, who found the net 22 times last season and had previously drawn interest from Crystal Palace, is anticipated to undergo medical checks shortly before signing a lengthy deal. The former Norwich attacker, typically deployed on the left wing, arrives as a direct successor to Trossard, whose move to Besiktas for €18m (£15.3m) was finalized this week.
Arsenal are still keen to bolster their attacking options before the window closes and continue to monitor Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, though the forward is also being courted by Real Madrid and Barcelona. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola are also on the club’s shortlist of potential acquisitions.
It is believed Villa would demand a fee exceeding £100m for Rogers. Arsenal have also shown an interest in his England colleague Ezri Konsa, a central defender who could offer the necessary depth for Saliba. The French defender was forced off during the second half of the World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday after breaking down.
Saliba, 25, revealed during the tournament that he has been “gritting his teeth” and competing despite a longstanding back complaint, with reports from France indicating he may need an operation. It is understood that Arsenal plan to conduct their own medical analysis before determining the correct course of action.
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The Premier League title holders are also deeply worried about the physical condition and heavy workload of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, after both players admitted they have been managing injuries to participate in the World Cup. They are expected to receive extended time off following Saturday’s third-place playoff against France.
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