Ajax have moved quickly to secure the loan signing of Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, with a medical examination scheduled for Tuesday.
Ajax Agree Loan Deal for Arsenal Defender Zinchenko
The Dutch club has reached a verbal agreement with the Gunners for a deal covering the remainder of the season.
The move marks an early termination of Zinchenko’s current loan at Nottingham Forest.
The Ukrainian international joined Forest last summer but struggled to secure a consistent role under manager Sean Dyche.
Eager for regular playing time, the 29-year-old left-back will now continue his campaign in the Eredivisie.
Ajax have agreed to cover the player’s full wages during the loan spell. Both clubs are now finalising the necessary paperwork to complete the process.
Zinchenko originally joined Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for £32 million. He enjoyed a strong initial impact under Mikel Arteta, featuring prominently in his first two seasons.
However, increased competition for places saw his playing time reduced last year, leading to his initial loan departure.
While technically gifted and comfortable in possession, Zinchenko has sometimes faced criticism for defensive vulnerability.
A return to Dutch football, where he previously spent a loan spell with PSV earlier in his career, could provide a less intense environment to rediscover his form.
At Ajax, he may also get opportunities to play in a midfield role, an option rarely explored during his time in North London.
This loan effectively signals the end of Zinchenko’s career at Arsenal. His contract expires on June 30, and the club has no plans to renew it.
Ajax, however, are reportedly considering a longer-term deal for the experienced defender once he becomes a free agent this summer.
