Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is poised for a swift January exit, with a loan move to Dutch powerhouse Ajax now verbally agreed. The 29-year-old Ukrainian international will cut short his current loan at Nottingham Forest to seek a fresh start in Amsterdam.
Forest Frustration Opens Door for Dutch Switch
Oleksandr Zinchenko's season at Nottingham Forest has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to just five Premier League appearances. Forest manager Sean Dyche recently confirmed he had held frank discussions with the player about his limited game time, effectively signalling that an exit was possible. Dyche stated he had been "open with him" about the situation, paving the way for this mid-season move.
'Here We Go': Deal Agreed for Amsterdam Medical
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano announced the breakthrough on Sunday, declaring "here we go" on social media platform X. A verbal agreement is in place for a loan deal running until June 2026, with Ajax covering Zinchenko's full salary. The player is expected to fly to the Netherlands within the next 24 hours to undergo medical tests. This move marks a return to the Eredivisie for Zinchenko, who spent a season on loan at PSV earlier in his career.
Zinchenko's Arsenal Future and Past Success
The former Manchester City star, a four-time Premier League winner, has made 91 appearances for Arsenal since his move. His last minutes for the Gunners came on the final day of the previous season. Despite his limited impact at Forest, Zinchenko spoke warmly of the club last month, thanking fans for their "amazing" welcome while acknowledging he wanted to give more. This loan to Ajax represents a critical chance to regain fitness and form ahead of the summer.
The deal, initially reported by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf and advanced by agent Jorge Mendes, is now reaching its final stages. For Arsenal, it resolves the immediate future of a squad player, while Ajax acquires an experienced defender with a proven pedigree at the highest level of English football.
