Arsenal have received a clear deadline from Ajax to resolve Oleksandr Zinchenko’s situation. The Dutch club no longer want to wait for a final decision.
According to De Telegraaf, Ajax expect clarity today. If nothing happens, they will switch to an alternative for the left-back position.
The issue does not lie with Ajax. The club have already reached agreements in principle with Zinchenko’s representatives and with Arsenal.
The deal includes a €1.5m (£1.3m) transfer fee and a contract running until the summer of 2026. However, the move depends on Arsenal and the player settling the payment of his remaining salary.
Talks have stalled at that point.
Arsenal want Zinchenko to give up a larger share of his wages before allowing a permanent exit. The player accepts a pay cut, but not to the extent Arsenal demand. As a result, both sides have taken firm positions, leaving Ajax waiting.
Ajax tell Arsenal it’s either sorted today or it’s over
Time also puts pressure on Arsenal. If the deal collapses, the club lose the agreed €1.5m (£1.3m) fee. They would also need to keep paying Zinchenko’s salary until the end of the season. Ajax, meanwhile, refuse to raise their total spending.
The Dutch side already plan to pay around €260,000 (£220,000) in wages for half a season, a requirement to register a non-EU player. Ajax see any higher cost as financially irresponsible for them.
Ajax still believe an agreement will be reached and reportedly a medical is already set. Even so, with the transfer window closing, patience is limited. Arsenal have effectively been told the deal must be completed today or it will be off.
We’ll see.