Arsenal are engaged in advanced negotiations with Ajax over the permanent sale of defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to reports emerging on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The proposed deal would bring a swift end to the Ukrainian international's disappointing loan spell at Nottingham Forest and see him move to the Dutch giants.
From Forest Flop to Amsterdam Move
The 27-year-old left-back spent the first half of the 2025/26 season on loan at the City Ground, but his time there was marked by frustration and limited opportunity. Zinchenko managed just four Premier League starts for Forest, with manager Sean Dyche informing the player he did not feature in his long-term plans. This led to discussions about terminating the loan agreement early.
With his Arsenal contract set to expire at the end of the current season, Zinchenko's representatives urgently sought a new club for the remainder of the campaign. Initial talks over the weekend focused on a loan switch to Ajax, which progressed rapidly to the point where a medical was scheduled.
Permanent Deal Now on the Cards
However, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports that those plans have now been delayed, with the structure of the transfer shifting. Instead of a temporary move, a permanent transfer is now firmly on the table. While the final decision rests with Arsenal, the expectation is that a deal will be completed.
The proposed agreement would see Ajax cover Zinchenko's salary in full. The player joined Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for a fee in the region of £30 million, but has seen his opportunities diminish. He made only eight appearances for the Gunners last season before his ill-fated loan move.
Dyche's Candid Conversation
Sean Dyche addressed Zinchenko's situation openly last week, confirming the player's limited prospects at Forest. Neco Williams has established himself as the undisputed first-choice left-back, leaving the Ukrainian star on the periphery.
"We've spoken to the player, made him clear on his situation. He's aware of that so we'll see what happens," Dyche told reporters. "He's played a couple of games, but hasn't featured in others. He's been injured. That hasn't been helpful to him or to us. I've just been open with him, really."
Dyche added that the conversation was respectful, acknowledging Zinchenko's experience in the game: "It's more of a conversation. Not demanding anything other than just telling him the truth, as I see it."
All parties now appear focused on securing a fresh start for Zinchenko at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with a permanent exit from the Emirates Stadium looking increasingly likely before the January window closes.
