Published Jul 17, 2026, 6:15 AM GMT+1

Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.

He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.

Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.

Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.

He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.

However, manager Mikel Arteta will no doubt be hoping the success was not a one-off and that the Gunners can emulate their success once again next campaign.

The Spaniard has built his side on defensive solidarity, with his side’s tally of just 27 goals conceded by far and away the lowest of any side in the division.

After the title success, a real impetus has been placed on improving the forward line this summer to make the side a bigger force to be reckoned with in 2026/27.

Work has already commenced behind the scenes in North London over recent weeks, which has seen one player reach a full agreement on a deal to join Arteta’s side.

Why Tzolis would be a good signing for Arsenal

It’s been reported over the last few days that Arsenal have now agreed a €40m (£35m) deal with Club Brugge for the signature of winger Christos Tzolis.

The Greek international has been constantly linked with the Gunners over recent months, especially after Leandro Trossard was linked with a switch away from the Emirates.

The 24-year-old may be an unknown quantity to many supporters in North London, but Arteta’s side have certainly clinched themselves a top-level attacking operator.

Tzolis featured 52 times across all competitions throughout 2025/26, subsequently registering a staggering tally of 22 goals and 29 assists across all competitions.

His combined tally of 51 goal contributions was higher than that of any player within the Gunners’ ranks, with his tally of eight efforts in the Champions League also placing him above any other Arsenal first-team member.

The winger ranked in the top 14% of all attackers in Europe for crosses completed per 90 - which could see him provide constant chances for the likes of Viktor Gyökeres in North London.

He also registered 1.5 shots on target per 90 in Europe’s biggest club competition - which could hand Arteta’s side the added attacking option they’ve been hunting for this summer.

Arsenal have a bigger talent than Tzolis on his way

In their efforts to become Premier League champions, Arsenal have switched their recruitment focus to landing top young prospects in the hope they can develop into elite talents.

The centre-back partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba is a prime example of what can happen when the recruitment team get it right in the transfer market.

Both players were a key part of Arteta’s squad last term in England’s top-flight - undoubtedly being a key reason for the club’s ability to boast the best goals conceded record in the division.

However, the hierarchy have shifted their attention to landing the next generation of young attacking talent - subsequently agreeing a move for 16-year-old winger Edwin Quintero.

It was reported back in December that the Gunners had reached an agreement with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle for the teenager - with his twin brother Holger also included in the deal.

Out of the two, Edwin would appear to be the more exciting prospect, and he demonstrated his talent earlier this month he scored on his first-team debut for his boyhood outfit.

IDV have gained a reputation for their phenomenal conveyor belt of talent - with Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho, Joel Ordonez and Kendry Paez all emerging out their academy in recent years.

As for Quintero, he will be hoping to be the next name to be added to the aforementioned list after catching the eye in one of Europe’s top-five divisions.

At just 16, he may have to wait to make an impact at the Emirates, with the teenager certain to link up with the academy setup upon the completion of his transfer in January 2027.

Como scout Ben Mattinson heaped praise on the youngster last year, claiming Quintero can “run games and create something out of nothing” - certainly something for the Gunners fanbase to be excited about.

Two senior appearances and one goal have generated enough hype for the 16-year-old to get fans talking in North London - with Tzolis’ arrival not getting in the way of such excitement.

The Greek international will no doubt be an immediate addition for Arteta’s side, but his long-term place at the Emirates could come under threat if Quintero reaches the level many are tipping him to.

He undoubtedly has a long way to go before he lights up the Premier League, but who’s to say Quintero can’t be the latest player to emerge out of the shadows and lead the Gunners to yet more silverware in the future?