Arsenal's plans to finalise two key deals this week have hit a snag, with the transfer of left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko to Ajax now on hold due to a medical delay. The Dutch club, initially agreeing to a loan move over the weekend, are reportedly seeking to upgrade their proposal to a permanent deal, adding complexity to the negotiations.
Zinchenko's Uncertain Future at Arsenal
The 29-year-old Ukrainian defender, who has been on loan at Nottingham Forest this season, has struggled with injuries, limiting him to just five Premier League appearances. Forest manager Sean Dyche recently addressed Zinchenko's situation, stating he had an open conversation with the player about his limited game time, hinting at a potential exit. Dyche emphasised honesty in his approach, saying, "I'm open with all players. But I think when you've done as much as he has in the game, it's more of a conversation. Not demanding anything other than just telling him the truth, as I see it."
Ajax's Shift to a Permanent Deal
Initially, a verbal agreement was in place for a loan move to Ajax, with a medical scheduled for Tuesday to complete the transfer. However, reports from the Daily Mail indicate that the medical has been delayed as Ajax now aim to secure Zinchenko on a permanent basis. This move comes after Ajax saw a loan offer for Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte rejected, prompting them to pivot towards a more substantial deal with Arsenal. Sources suggest the Dutch club is looking to upgrade their original loan proposal to a full transfer, reflecting their ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of the Champions League campaign.
Nwaneri's Impending Loan to Marseille
In parallel developments, Arsenal's young talent Ethan Nwaneri is poised to complete a loan move to Marseille, with the player travelling to France for a medical. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed Nwaneri's future after a recent Champions League victory, acknowledging the need for more playing time. Arteta said, "We certainly have to assess the situation. Obviously, Ethan's not playing the minutes that he probably deserves and needs at his age. So, we're going to sit down this week, address the situation, get everybody's opinion and at the end we'll make the decision that we believe is the best one for the player."
Arteta's Focus on Player Development
When asked about the potential impact of a loan move for Nwaneri, Arteta remained cautious, stating, "We'll see. Let's first of all make the decision, the best one, and then we can see what the impact will be." This highlights Arsenal's strategic approach to nurturing young talent, ensuring they gain valuable experience while protecting their long-term prospects at the club.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal fans will be closely watching these developments, with Zinchenko's delayed move and Nwaneri's loan both set to shape the squad's dynamics in the coming weeks.
