Arsenal signs Tzolis, Garnacho joins Villa

Arsenal and Aston Villa have strengthened their squads ahead of the new Premier League season with the signings of Greece international Christos Tzolis and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, respectively. 

Arsenal completed the £34 million signing of Tzolis from Club Brugge on a long-term contract. At the same time, Villa secured Garnacho on loan from Chelsea until the end of the 2026–27 campaign, with an obligation to make the move permanent if agreed performance-related conditions are met.

Tzolis joins the Premier League champions after an outstanding spell in Belgium, where he scored 43 goals and provided 45 assists in 108 appearances for Club Brugge. 

His arrival follows Leandro Trossard’s departure to Beşiktaş, with Arsenal acting swiftly to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s attacking options. 

Sporting Director Andrea Berta described the 24-year-old as a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, praising his finishing ability, creativity, technical quality, and winning mentality.

The Greek international said conversations with Arteta were decisive in convincing him to move to North London, revealing they centred on the club’s ambitions, his role within the team, and plans for the future. 

At Aston Villa, Garnacho arrives seeking a fresh start after a difficult season at Chelsea. 

Although the financial details of the permanent transfer clause remain undisclosed, Chelsea are expected to receive a fee close to their original £43 million valuation if the conditions are met. 

Villa manager Unai Emery welcomed the 22-year-old as an exciting addition to his squad, with Garnacho becoming the club’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, and Modou Keba Cisse.

Villa’s latest addition comes after a summer of significant squad restructuring. 

The club generated nearly £200 million through the sales of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Donyell Malen, Enzo Barrenechea, and Lewis Dobbin, providing the financial flexibility needed to strengthen the squad while remaining within Premier League and UEFA financial regulations. 

Garnacho’s move also follows Chelsea’s club-record £117 million signing of Rogers from Villa earlier in the transfer window.

Chelsea decided to part ways with Garnacho less than a year after signing him from Manchester United, where he struggled to secure regular opportunities following the arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Geovany Quenda.