Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to head away from Arsenal on another loan spell.placeholder image
Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to head away from Arsenal on another loan spell. | Getty Images
Ajax are set to offer the Arsenal defender a fresh start following a tricky loan spell at Nottingham Forest this season.
Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is set for another loan move away from the Emirates Stadium with a new deal agreed with Dutch giants Ajax.
The 29-year-old has been on loan at Nottingham Forest this season but has made just five Premier League appearances, largely due to injury problems. Zinchenko is now set to call time on his stay at The City Ground and start afresh with Ajax.
Forest manager Sean Dyche appeared to open the door for an exit for the defender last week. He said: “We’ve spoken to the player, made him clear on his situation. He’s aware of that so we’ll see what happens.
Arsenal defender set for loan exit
“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. It’s like I say, I’m open with all players. But I think when you’ve done as much as he has in the game, it’s more of a conversation. Not demanding anything other than just telling him the truth, as I see it. And that’s how much he can figure out, how much game time he’s going to get at this time.”
Ajax were claimed to be in talks with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that a verbal agreement for the loan is in place. Taking to social media platform X, he wrote: “Ajax verbally agree on deal to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal, here we go!
“Agreement in place over loan until June, leaving #NFFC. Zinchenko will fly in next 24h for medical tests in Amsterdam. Ajax will cover his salary, deal in place as Telegraaf reports.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko on ‘amazing’ Nottingham Forest experience
Zinchenko has made 91 appearances for Arsenal and his last minutes came on the final day of the campaign against Southampton last season. The former Manchester City man, who won four Premier League titles at the Etihad Stadium, has played in the Netherlands before with a loan spell at PSV.
The player was asked about his future last month but remained tight-lipped on his plans. He said: “I don’t know yet, we’ll see. We just need to go step by step and work hard.
“I feel amazing [at Forest]. It is a big club with amazing people around. I must use this opportunity to say a massive thanks to all the fans for the warm welcome. I really feel I need to give much more to the club.”
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