There was some fright within the Crystal Palace fanbase when Dougie Freedman left for Saudi Arabia in March 2025.
The Glaswegian had effectively built the most successful Crystal Palace side in history in his role as Director of Football, signing gems like Michael Olise, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Daniel Munoz, Ismaila Sarr and Dean Henderson as the Eagles won three trophies under Oliver Glasner.
So, there was understandable concern when Freedman left and ended up being replaced by Matt Hobbs in the summer of 2025.
However, the recruitment has continued to offer much promise with shrewd moves for Jaydee Canvot and Oscar Mingueza, and that point has now been somewhat reinforced by Arsenal agreeing a £34m deal for Christos Tzolis.
What are YOUR thoughts on the new home kit? 🤔
I would prefer the sash not to have white gaps, but still quite happy with it 😍
Arsenal move shows Crystal Palace are barking up the right tree
Arsenal have now made a verbal promise to pay Club Brugge’s £34m asking price for the Greece international – according to the Guardian – with a medical expected in the coming days.
It comes 11 months after Crystal Palace made a serious attempt to sign Tzolis last August, submitting a bid while also holding extensive talks with his representatives, as The Athletic covered. However, the former Norwich attacker chose to sign a new contract at Club Brugge.
It is a bittersweet development for the UEFA Conference League winners to see Arsenal agree a deal for Tzolis.
On one hand, it is encouraging that we were early to unearthing a player who the reigning champions of England now want to buy, as Mikel Arteta attempts to put a stranglehold on the Premier League.
On the other hand, it is a shame Hobbs was unable to get a deal wrapped up, although there is little we could have done about the fact Tzolis wanted to stay in Belgium at that point.
Who is your DREAM signing? ⭐️
The task now for Hobbs is to get these players through the door at Selhurst Park.
He deserves credit for discovering Tzolis, but Crystal Palace fans will quickly grow frustrated if we fail to get these deals over the line.
