Nottingham Forest are open to ending Oleksandr Zinchenko’s loan spell earlier than planned, according to reports from the BBC.
Zinchenko first arrived at Emirates Stadium in 2022 after Arsenal agreed a £30 million fee with Manchester City, plus an additional £2 million in add-ons.
The Ukrainian defender then joined Forest on loan during the summer window after finding chances limited at Arsenal. At the time, the move was seen as a chance for Zinchenko to regain rhythm and secure steady game time.
However, his spell at the City Ground has not gone as expected so far this season. Zinchenko, now 29, has made just ten appearances for Forest in all competitions since his arrival.
He has yet to register a goal or assist during that run, with his impact proving limited. Forest are now believed to see the defender as surplus to requirements within their current plans.
As a result, the club are said to be open to allowing him to leave before the loan ends. The situation is complex, as the loan agreement provides no clear option for early termination.
This means any move to end the deal would require further talks between all parties involved. A return to the Emirates Stadium would also bring its own challenges for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta already has a full squad, which could block any early recall from going ahead.
Forest stance and loan complications
Forest’s stance is based on their belief that Zinchenko no longer fits their needs this season. They are exploring ways to adjust their squad as the campaign moves into a busy period.
Despite that, the lack of a recall clause remains a major issue in the current agreement. Arsenal are under no obligation to take the player back before the loan expires.
This leaves Zinchenko’s short-term future uncertain as the window continues. Any decision will need agreement from Forest, Arsenal, and the player himself.
For now, the deal remains active, even with Forest open to a change.
Should Arsenal bring Zinchenko back?
Arsenal currently sit top of the league with a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. They are also one leg away from reaching the Carabao Cup final this season.
Arteta’s side have faced several injury problems across different areas of the squad. Even so, Arsenal have stayed strong and consistent at the top of the table.
Despite those injuries, a return for Zinchenko appears unnecessary at this stage. Several players in the squad already struggle to secure regular minutes each week.
Adding another defender would only increase that issue. Arsenal’s defence has looked settled, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie fitting in well.
Both players have adapted smoothly and offered balance in Zinchenko’s usual role. From Zinchenko’s point of view, regular football remains the key concern.
Arsenal cannot promise him steady minutes under the current setup. A move to another club, where he can play more often, may suit him better.
That option would allow him to rebuild confidence and form through consistent action. For now, his future remains unclear as all sides weigh their next steps carefully.