Crystal Palace have recruited very well in recent times.
The likes of Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze have all gone on to play for some of the biggest clubs on the planet in Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Arsenal respectively – with Dougie Freedman signing all three for a combined sum of just £42m.
Another exciting move was attempted last summer as Crystal Palace saw a bid for Christos Tzolis rejected by Club Brugge – but the Greece international is now probably out of reach for the Eagles as Arsenal begin to explore a deal.
Initial thoughts on Pierre Sage? 🤔
He can boast a 67.5% win ratio from 40 games at RC Lens 😍
Arsenal now want Christos Tzolis
The Athletic believe the Gunners are now looking to sign the Club Brugge No.8 after his outstanding 2025/26 campaign with Club Brugge.
Tzolis scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions for the Belgian giants, and Arsenal are said to believe they can secure his signature for a fee of £34.5m this summer.
In the modern era, that would be a bargain for a 24-year-old with such immense levels of output.
Sadly for Crystal Palace, interest from the Premier League champions and UEFA Champions League finalists probably rules the Eagles out of the running, if admiration for Tzolis lingered from last summer.
The UEFA Conference League winners spent heavily to sign a new wide forward in January when splashing £35m on Brennan Johnson – so it remains to be seen if another attacker is targeted.
Steve Parish may also spend £28m on Evann Guessand – who is still being described as a Crystal Palace player by the club on social media despite technically returning to Aston Villa.
How can Brennan Johnson make a name for himself at Crystal Palace? 🏴
In that respect, it is a mystery as to whether Crystal Palace are even still interested in Tzolis, but the fact Arsenal are now keen just 12 months after the Eagles made a bid proves those on the recruitment team are still barking up the right tree since Freedman departed.
