Ben White has revealed how new Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis ‘beat everyone’ with his extraordinary results in pre-season testing.
Arsenal agreed a £34million deal with Club Brugge for Tzolis as club bosses moving quickly to fill the void left by Leandro Trossard’s recent departure for Besiktas.
The 24-year-old Greece international arrives in north London with a stellar reputation from his two-year spell in Belgian football, where he racked up a total of 21 goals and 28 assists in 45 appearances.
The former Norwich man has put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, tying him to the club until 2031.
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Arsenal fans got the chance to see Tzolis in action for the first time in their colours this weekend as Mikel Arteta’s men kicked off their packed pre-season schedule with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Girona.
The left winger was given the nod from the start in Spain and impressed from the off, causing the opposing defence problems throughout andnotching his first-ever goal for Arsenal to double his side’s advantage on the half-hour mark.
‘I’m very pleased with him,’ Arteta said when asked about Tzolis’ strong start for the Gunners.
‘First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team. The connection he’s already generated with the boys. I think you’re going to love the player.
‘He’s a very direct player. He’s got the ball between the eyes. I think really good at linking up.
‘He has a lot of similarities with Leo in a lot of the things that he can do and the spaces he can occupy. And then the work ethic that he has.
‘He’s a boy that comes with so much hunger as well and wants to prove it. It’s a dream for him and we are here to help him.’
Kai Havertz was similarly glowing about his Tzolis, claiming his new team-mate’s ‘quality’ was obvious from the opening minute of the contest.
‘I think you saw his quality from the first minute,’ the Germany forward told Arsenal’s official website.
‘I mean, I saw it already a couple of years ago when I saw him playing in Germany. He’s a top guy and a top player, we’re all very glad to have him here.’
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender White said of Tzolis: ‘Christos has been amazing.
‘He came in, did all the testing, and beat everyone.
‘So he is fitting in really well and everyone is really happy for him to be here.’
Tzolis will no doubt be looking to build on his impressive debut performance on Wednesday when Arsenal continue their busy pre-season schedule with a friendly against Real Betis in Dublin.
Arteta’s men then return home to the Emirates for a double-header against Borussia Dortmund and Como, the club’s final two matches in preparation before their Community Shield showdown with Manchester City on August 16.
The north London giants begin their Premier League defence five days later at home to newly promoted Coventry City.
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