Arsenal Football Club are poised to finalise the permanent departure of defender Oleksandr Zinchenko to Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam this Friday, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Transfer Saga Reaches Conclusion
The Ukrainian international, who joined the Gunners from Manchester City in 2022, has spent the first half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest. However, his opportunities at the City Ground proved limited, prompting discussions about an early termination of that loan arrangement earlier this week.
Romano has now provided a definitive update, stating that Zinchenko will travel to Amsterdam on Friday to complete the formalities of his move. The deal represents a permanent transfer from Arsenal, with Ajax paying an initial fee of €1.5 million, plus additional performance-related add-ons linked to Champions League qualification.
From Loan to Permanent Switch
Initial reports over a week ago suggested Ajax were pursuing a loan deal for the experienced defender. However, negotiations took a significant turn when the Amsterdam club expressed a preference to secure Zinchenko on a permanent basis instead.
Dutch publication Voetbal International reported that the financial commitment for a permanent transfer would be comparable to what Ajax had budgeted for a loan fee, making the long-term acquisition a strategically sound move for the Eredivisie side.
Ajax's European Ambitions
The transfer comes at a crucial time for Ajax, who have experienced a disappointing European campaign this season. Failing to progress beyond the group stages of the Champions League after winning just two of their eight matches, the club currently sits third in the Eredivisie, just two points outside automatic qualification spots for next season's tournament.
With only a two-point cushion over fourth place, Ajax face a tense battle to secure European football for the 2026-27 campaign. The acquisition of Zinchenko represents a strategic move to strengthen their defensive options as they aim to return to Europe's elite competition.
Managerial Perspective
Ajax's interim manager Fred Grim addressed the impending transfer in recent days, expressing optimism about the deal's completion. "I hope that Zinchenko's signing will take shape soon," Grim stated. "At Ajax, we're very busy strengthening our squad. It will have to be finalised in the coming week. In my opinion, there are still some possibilities then."
The 29-year-old defender brings considerable Premier League and European experience to Amsterdam, having won multiple domestic titles during his time with Manchester City before his move to North London. His versatility, capable of operating in both defensive and midfield roles, is expected to provide Ajax with valuable tactical flexibility as they pursue domestic and European success.
