Arsenal signing is already looking like the bargain of the summer after news coming from Chelsea
Arsenal’s search for a marquee attacker has seemingly stalled.
The Gunners had been prioritising upgrading the level of their attack, particularly on the left wing, and had done everything in their power to try to lure Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid.
They had also sought out Bradley Barcola but ultimately pulled away due to the finances involved.
There are no obvious solutions on the market, and Arsenal are rightly reluctant to panic-buy someone.
But one signing they have already made, in the context of the rest of the market, looks to be a bargain.
Christos Tzolis could be the bargain of the summer
Christos Tzolis was excellent during Sunday’s commanding 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Building on his impressive pre-season performances, the Greek winger picked up two assists and has firmly made that left-wing position his spot to lose.
He was decisive in dangerous positions, composed in deeper areas and helped them progress the ball smoothly through City’s press.
For the second goal, he got on the end of Martin Odegaard’s back-post cross, cleverly heading across goal into the path of Kai Havertz for the opener.
Then a smart cutback across goal set up Odegaard to finish superbly. Two assists of real quality against the side Arsenal beat to the title last season.
Not bad at all.
Latest news out of Chelsea makes Christos Tzolis signing look even better
Reports of Arsenal considering a move for Pedro Neto have emerged in the last week or so, which hasn’t exactly got fans excited.
The Portuguese has even been mooted as a potential swap target for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Amid links to the Saudi Arabian league, Chelsea are now reportedly valuing him at £100million — nearly three times what Arsenal paid for Tzolis.
The winger market has been inflated beyond all reason this summer. Barcola at over £100million. Rogers at £117million. Over £70million for Cody Gakpo. Over £60million for Savinho.
Tzolis wasn’t a signing that had fans over-the-moon when it was announced, but £34million for a player who just delivered two assists against the second best team in England looks like outstanding business.
As of yet, there is no clear signal of another left-wing signing arriving before the window closes.
Tzolis starts against Coventry on Friday night. Based on pre-season and the Community Shield, that position is his to lose.
At £34million in this market, he might just be the signing of the summer.
