Kai Havertz has delivered a glowing verdict on new Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis after the Gunners' 4-1 pre-season friendly victory over Girona, with the Germany international describing the £34m winger as 'amazing' and a 'top player'.
Tzolis, who joined from Club Brugge earlier this summer, marked his first Arsenal appearance with a goal, adding to strikes from Havertz, Max Dowman, and Gabriel Jesus. The match, played on August 2, 2026, was Arsenal's first since their Champions League final appearance in May.
Havertz impressed by Tzolis quality
Speaking to the club's official website, Havertz said: 'Amazing. I think you saw his quality from the first minute. I mean, I saw it already a couple of years ago when I saw him playing in Germany. He's a top guy and a top player, we're all very glad to have him here.'
The 27-year-old also reflected on the team's overall performance, stating: 'I think it was a good win. You saw already the connections we had on the pitch. It was a good test for us against a good team and I think we played strong. We need to continue like that now.'
Arteta predicts fans will love new signing
Manager Mikel Arteta also expressed his satisfaction with Tzolis, who was brought in to replace Leandro Trossard after the Belgian's move to Besiktas. Arteta said: 'I'm very pleased with him. First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team. The connection he's already generated with the boys. I think you're going to love the player. He's a very direct player.'
Arteta highlighted Tzolis's attributes, adding: 'He's got the ball between the eyes. I think really good at linking up. He has a lot of similarities with Leo [Trossard] in a lot of the things that he can do and the spaces he can occupy. And then the work ethic that he has. He's a boy that comes with so much hunger as well and wants to prove it. It's a dream for him and we are here to help him.'
Pre-season schedule and title defence
Arsenal have three more pre-season friendlies against Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield. Their Premier League title defence begins at home against newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21.
Havertz, who was part of the Arsenal side that won the title last season, stressed the need for continued improvement: 'Now is a new season, new standards and we need to do more to achieve our goals again. Of course, we had a good year last year but we want more trophies to make the fans happy and that's what we're here for.'
Arteta acknowledged the added pressure of being champions, saying: 'I think we have even more responsibility and more ambition than before. We know what is ahead. We know the qualities and the capacity that we have to compete with any other team. We need to prove that we belong at this level.'
