Football · London and Girona
Christos Tzolis scores on Arsenal debut as media ask: Who needs Vinicius?
The Greek winger scored in a 4-1 friendly win over Girona, prompting British press to question the need for a big-money move for Vinicius Junior.
In brief
Christos Tzolis scored his first Arsenal goal in the 30th minute of a 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Girona on 1 August 2026, beating defender Arnau Martinez before firing a low shot into the corner.
British newspapers The Sun, BBC and Daily Mail all praised Tzolis's performance, with The Sun asking why Arsenal would spend millions on Vinicius Junior when Tzolis looks ready to lead the attack.
Arsenal signed Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34 million (about €40 million) to replace Leandro Trossard, who moved to Besiktas.
Manager Mikel Arteta said he was 'very pleased' with Tzolis after the match, adding to the positive reception.
Debut goal
Christos Tzolis made an immediate impact in his first appearance for Arsenal, scoring in a 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Girona on Saturday 1 August. The 24-year-old Greek winger started the match under manager Mikel Arteta and was one of the most active players on the pitch. In the 30th minute, he collected the ball on the left, cut inside past defender Arnau Martinez with a diagonal run, and unleashed a low shot that took a slight deflection before nestling in the far corner. The goal put Arsenal 2-0 up and marked Tzolis's first for the club, albeit in an unofficial friendly. Arsenal, the reigning English champions, controlled the match and added two more goals to complete the 4-1 victory.
Media reaction
British newspapers responded with enthusiasm. The Sun posed a rhetorical question that quickly spread across social media. The BBC provided a detailed account of the goal and the context of Tzolis's transfer. The Daily Mail's headline declared that "Christos Tzolis stole the show." Online, Arsenal supporters argued that the reported £34 million (around €40 million) paid to Club Brugge already looks like a bargain. Many contrasted the fee with the sums being discussed for a potential move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.
“Why spend millions on Vinicius when Tzolis looks ready to lead Arsenal's attack?”
“Christos Tzolis gave Arsenal fans a first taste of what he can offer, scoring on his first appearance for the Gunners in the win over Girona, in the team's opening pre-season friendly.”
Transfer context
Arsenal signed Tzolis from Belgian side Club Brugge for a fee of £34 million, according to the BBC. The move was designed to fill the gap left by Leandro Trossard, who departed for Besiktas earlier in the summer. The Greek international's arrival came amid persistent speculation linking Arsenal with a blockbuster move for Vinicius Junior. The Telegraph had reported that personal terms were agreed between the player and the club, but Tzolis's instant impact has prompted sections of the English press to question whether that expenditure is necessary. The 24-year-old's energy, pressing and willingness to take on defenders were all highlighted as attributes that could make him a key figure in Arteta's attack.
Arteta's praise
Manager Mikel Arteta offered a brief but positive assessment after the match. His words, though cut short in initial reports, added to the sense that Tzolis had made a strong first impression. The praise, combined with the media reaction, suggests the winger has already made a case for a significant role in the upcoming season. Arsenal's next pre-season fixture will offer another chance for Tzolis to build on this promising start.
“I am very pleased with him.”