In a time where the Premier League’s big six are constantly changing managers, Arsenal have found consistency under Mikel Arteta, which has allowed the Spaniard to spend the last six and a half years at the club.
Every other big-six side has appointed a new manager throughout 2026, which could hand the Gunners a huge boost within the Premier League next term.
However, for the first time in his managerial career, the 44-year-old will have to deal with the pressure of being the hunted rather than the hunters in England’s top-flight.
New additions will be needed to combat the threat posed by other clubs in the division, with one player already hitting the ground running after his summer transfer to the Emirates.
How Christos Tzolis performed on his Arsenal debut
Earlier this week, Arsenal secured the £34m signing of winger Christos Tzolis from Belgian side Club Brugge in an effort to add more depth and quality to the left-wing department.
He’s been seen as a replacement for Leandro Trossard after his move to Besiktas, subsequently adding a new dimension to Arteta’s forward line in North London.
The Greek star made his debut for the Gunners during Saturday’s victory over Girona, but how did the 24-year-old get on against the Spanish outfit?
He featured for 62 minutes of the 4-1 triumph, subsequently scoring the second for Arteta’s men after a trademark cut inside and strike into the bottom right corner.
Tzolis’ underlying stats also make for good reading, as he completed 83% of the passes he attempted – also completed two successful crosses and created one chance for his new teammates.
His new boss spoke glowingly about his display after the game, stating: “I’m very pleased with him. First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team. The connection he’s already generated with the boys.
|
Christos Tzolis – stats against Girona |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
62 |
|
Touches |
31 |
|
Pass accuracy |
83% |
|
Goals scored |
1 |
|
Crosses completed |
2 |
|
Aerials won |
100% |
|
Passes into final third |
2 |
|
Shots taken |
2 |
“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 [Trossard] in a lot of the things that he can do and the spaces he can occupy.”
Why Arsenal are looking to land an instant Tzolis upgrade
Arsenal’s pursuit of new additions has been no secret in recent days, with Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimarães the two names constantly on the supporters’ lips at present.
The Brazilian duo are of huge interest to the Gunners this summer, with a deal for the latter seemingly closer to being completed if recent reports are to be believed.
Both players are certainly the club’s main targets ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, but winger Mika Godts has also emerged as a possible transfer target.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that Arteta’s men have been in talks with the representatives of the Ajax attacker over the possibility of a move to the Emirates in the near future.
Talks have been ongoing, with the likes of PSG, Liverpool and Manchester United also keen on the 21-year-old – who is available for a fee in the region of £51m.
There’s no denying the move for Tzolis has already improved the options available to Arteta in attacking areas – but he still wants added reinforcements, as seen by moves for Vinicius and Godts.
Almost every supporter would prefer a move for the Real Madrid star this window, but the Ajax attacker does appear to be a viable option and one which could provide an upgrade on the Greek talent.
Throughout the 2026/27 campaign, the Belgian star managed to register more shots on target per 90 than Tzolis – whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate.
His aforementioned tallies of 1.3 per 90 and a 49% accuracy rate not only better the £34m man, but also place him above 87% of other attackers across Europe.
Godts also managed to outperform Tzolis in terms of successful dribbles per 90, with his tally of 2.9 per 90, way over two times more than the figure produced by the Greek international.
Like his shooting ability, the Ajax attacker ranked above 96% of other players in his position across the continent – subsequently demonstrating his relentless and direct nature.
He also emulated Tzolis in registering the most combined goals and assists of any player in the league – but arguably managing to achieve his success in a higher quality division.
£51m for a player of Godts’ talent and potential would be an excellent deal for Arteta’s men and one which could hand him the added quality he’s on the hunt for this summer.
The interest from elsewhere further highlights his attacking quality, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on his signature to a European or divisional rival.
