Transfer: ‘I’m sad’ – Club Brugge manager, Leko laments as star player joins Arsenal

Club Brugge, manager, Ivan Leko, has expressed sadness over the transfer of star forward Christos Tzolis to Arsenal.

Reports indicate that the Gunners are poised to sign the 24-year-old Greek international for a fee of £33.8 million, according to the Standard.

Leko has confirmed the winger’s exit, as he was not present during Club Brugge’s 3-2 loss to Heerenveen in a pre-season friendly on Friday, July 17. 

He expressed his sadness over losing such an exceptional player and expressed confidence in Tzolis’ future success at Arsenal.

The Croatian manager praised the former Norwich City player for his dedication to training and the significant progress he made during his time at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

Leko believes that the Greek winger will have the opportunity to display his skills in both the Premier League and the Champions League. He stated, as reported by the Standard:

“(I am) very happy for him. I am very sad for me on one side, because we are losing a top player. This is one fantastic example of somebody who was first coming on the training base, last staying there. Every training was like a game for him, giving so much for his career, and then you get the reward to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

“(It is a) big thing for him, big thing for Club Brugge, big thing for Belgian football. Good lesson for all young boys that we have, that in football you need to work. Stop the talk, work, try to do everything to improve yourself day by day, exactly what Christos was doing.

“I am convinced that he will have his minutes, that he will show some highest level in the Premier League and Champions League at Arsenal, and he will show that he is a top player and absolutely deserves to go and be there.”

Tzolis joined Club Brugge in 2024 for a reported fee of €6 million from Norwich City. During his tenure at the Belgian club, he became one of the league’s standout players, netting 43 goals and providing 45 assists in 108 appearances.

The 24-year-old had an outstanding 2025-26 season, scoring 22 goals and delivering 29 assists in 52 matches.