How could Arsenal’s £35m signing Salah repeat as the Gunners close to a deal

Farewell, Leandro Trossard. He caught it at Arsenal.

While Trossard joined the Emirates for £27m in January 2023 for £27m, it felt like a tough move, with Arsenal falling back on limited options after Chelsea boycotted their big-money move for Mykhaylo Mudryk.

“He’s one of the smartest players in the league”, according to Arsenal podcast host Adam Keys, a true “mental beast” whose goal-scoring ability is backed up by intelligent movement and an absolute desire to beat opponents and make things happen.

Trossard, of course, will leave this summer, with Turkish club Besiktas closing in on a £17m deal to sign the 31-year-old.

You need to be replaced. Pronto.

Why it’s time for Trossard to go

The dog days are over, and Arsenal are now arguably the best managed club in the Premier League. Another mark of that is the ability to let players go.

Let’s put it in context: In April 2025, Liverpool extended Mohamed Salah’s contract for two more years. The Egyptian striker, who will turn 35 when the deal expires, has increased his wages to £400k-a-week, as reported by multiple sources.

Salah, basically, won Arne Slot’s side in the Premier League, remarkably clinical throughout the campaign. However, hindsight tells you that it was the wrong move for the Reds to make. Salah’s form dropped dramatically last season, and he has now retired a year early, possibly moving to the Saudi Pro League or MLS.

Trossard isn’t a superstar like Salah, but he’s been an integral part of Arteta’s side all the same, and seeing him go is really painful for Gooner’s persuasion.

But Arsenal know it’s time to make a few changes, creating a title-winning team. Morgan Rogers is on the agenda of Arteta and Arsenal director Andrea Berta – a deal is close to being agreed – but it may be wise to sign a recognized left winger alongside this powerful attacking midfielder.

Arsenal are close to signing Mo Salah

It’s time for Trossard to go, but Arteta can’t go wrong with replacing the Belgium international, who is out of the World Cup and proving he still has a lot to offer. In other words, Arsenal need to sign a star on the left wing.

While the priority at the moment is to sign Rogers and Bruno Guimaraes, the Newcastle captain who has been linked with a series of rejected bids, it is important to sign a striker.

But Arsenal are persistent, and have the wind in their sails. Arsenal are expected to sign Guimaraes this summer, and the ambitious bids will not end there.

According to journalist Kostas Lianos, Arsenal are ready to complete a £35m deal to sign Christos Tzolis this summer, with the Club Brugge star awaiting final approval before jetting off to London to sign.

It looks like this one will be wrapped up, barred by something amazing and unexpected. If so, Arsenal could find themselves in possession of their own version of Salah, a versatile and devastating winger who could have a real impact on his second spell in England.

Tzolis once played for Norwich City, scoring three goals in 30 appearances for the Canaries. He played 14 times in the Premier League, failing to perform well.

But Tzolis has suddenly arrived, and he has the attacking potential to lift the Gunners’ frontline which left a lot to be desired last year, as they won the title.

Tzolis, indeed, scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists in 52 games for Brugge last season. Yes, you read that right. Furthermore, his success was not limited to domestic territory, and he made a real impact in Europe, registering three goals for his struggling side. He was a “wonderful signing” for the Belgian giants, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Quick-footed and quick-moving, flexible to get into space and into danger, Tzolis is unstoppable, and would not only prove an upgrade on the aging Trossard, but would bring something Salah-esque to an Arsenal attack that has failed to score enough goals in 2025/26.

We know a few things: Tzolis failed to make it out of England football. He shares something with Salah in that. The Greek striker also likes goals and assists, promoting a lethal edge in the last few years, another similarity.

He might surprise a few, if he signs for Arsenal this summer. A great team was not created by signing 11 different stars. Arsenal can do it for themselves here, and it looks like they’re about to compete.