Ajax interim manager Fred Grim is hopeful they can sign Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko in the winter market.
De Telegraaf cover comments made by Grim regarding the 29-year-old and Ajax’s plans for the final days of this window.
At the weekend, claims from the Netherlands stated Ajax have reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko. This was for a loan deal until the end of this season.
The Ukraine international has been on loan at Nottingham Forest since last summer. On Monday, Ajax were waiting for him to cut short his stay with the Reds before joining them.
Arsenal then changed the terms of the deal and wanted a sale instead of a loan transfer. That’s because Zinchenko has less than six months left on his contract at the Emirates.
Four days ago, De Telegraaf stated the two clubs are negotiating a fee. They were optimistic of completing the deal this weekend.
On Friday, De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij said the Dutch club haven’t made progress to sign the Ukraine international. Therefore, Ajax director of football Jordi Cruyff is in direct talks with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta about a move.
Grim remains hopeful the Eredivisie side can bring Zinchenko to Amsterdam as quickly as possible.
“I hope that [Zinchenko’s signing] will take shape soon,” he said.
“At Ajax, we’re very busy strengthening our squad. We’re not in a position to make a big impact at the beginning of January. You’re dependent on the players’ choices. It will have to be finalised in the coming week. In my opinion, there are still some possibilities then.”
Arsenal will first have to cut short the former Manchester City man’s temporary stay at the City Ground. This hasn’t happened so far. With Grim confirming Ajax’s interest, there could be movements in this case next week.