Arsenal to submit ‘official bid’ for Christos Tzolis amid Jeremy Monga offer

Arsenal‘s summer recruitment drive continues as the club pushes ahead with plans to add some of the brightest young talent in world football.

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have made no secret of their desire to strengthen both for the present and the future, and that approach has already been reflected in their pursuit of Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga.

Fabrizio Romano revealed today that Arsenal have submitted an offer for the highly-rated teenager as they attempt to win the race for his signature, and the 16-year-old is very eager to make the move.

Monga is regarded as one of the country’s standout young prospects and Arsenal may believe he could become a major player in the years ahead.

The Gunners have been chasing him for some time now, and it now appears that the saga is drawing to a close barring any late twists.

The move also underlines a wider strategy.

Rather than focusing exclusively on established stars like Morgan Rogers, Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola, who have all been linked recently, Arsenal are also looking to secure elite talent from left field.

This time the focus is on Club Brugge attacker Christos Tzolis.

The Greece international has been one of the most productive attacking players in European football over the past year, and finished last season with an astonishing return of 22 goals and 29 assists in all competitions.

Few players anywhere in Europe could match that level of output.

Whether scoring himself or creating opportunities for teammates, he became the focal point of Club Brugge’s attack, and that form has inevitably attracted attention from some of the continent’s biggest clubs.

Arsenal are now moving beyond simple admiration.

Arsenal decide to submit ‘official bid’ for Christos Tzolis

According to Greek journalist Dimitris Manakos, a decision was taken on Wednesday to proceed with an ‘official bid’ for Tzolis.

The former Norwich City man is capable of operating from either flank or playing in advanced central positions, which will appeal greatly to Arteta.

His direct style would also bring something different to Arsenal’s forward line.

Tzolis is a player who constantly looks to attack defenders rather than simply retain possession, and that directness has become one of his biggest strengths.

Another encouraging factor for Arsenal is the player’s apparent stance on a potential transfer.

According to Standard Sport, Tzolis is ‘very keen’ on the possibility of joining the Gunners, and that could prove important if negotiations become complicated.

Brugge are believed to be asking for around £35 million to green-light an exit, and on the face of it, that shouldn’t be an issue.

However, Tzolis could just be one of a couple of high-profile forward additions at the Emirates, so Berta and Arteta will still need to tread carefully after spending north of £260m last summer.