Martin Ødegaard praises new signings Guimarães and Tzolis at Arsenal

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has gone public with his enthusiasm for the club’s summer transfer window, singling out Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis as players who have already made their presence felt in preseason.

Guimarães arrived from Newcastle United for £75 million in early August, while Tzolis completed his move from Club Brugge on 23 July for £34 million. Combined, that’s £109 million in new talent before the first whistle of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

The Guimarães factor

Ødegaard praised Guimarães for settling “seamlessly” into Arsenal’s squad.

Manager Mikel Arteta has endorsed the signing, pointing to Guimarães’s versatility and decision-making as qualities that fit Arsenal’s system.

Tzolis adds attacking firepower

Christos Tzolis arrived from Club Brugge for £34 million, bringing pace and directness to Arsenal’s attacking options. At Brugge, Tzolis established himself as one of the Belgian league’s most dangerous forwards, and his performances in European competition caught the attention of several top clubs.

Ødegaard’s praise extended to Tzolis as well, with the captain highlighting how quickly the forward has adapted to Arsenal’s training intensity and tactical demands.

Quiet business rounds out the window

Beyond the two marquee signings, Arsenal also secured goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds United.

What it means for Arsenal’s season

Arsenal kick off their 2026/27 campaign against Coventry, and early assessments have the Gunners among the favorites.