Arsenal announced on Sunday that Oleksandr Zinchenko has left the club on a permanent basis to sign for Dutch side Ajax until the end of the 2025/26 season
20:44, 01 Feb 2026
Oleksandr Zinchenko has confirmed his departure from Arsenal
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Oleksandr Zinchenko has confirmed his departure from Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Oleksandr Zinchenko has issued a touching farewell message after his permanent exit from Arsenal was confirmed on Sunday. The Ukraine international, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Nottingham Forest, has now departed the Emirates Stadium for good to sign for Ajax.
Zinchenko, 29, has penned a short-term contract at the Amsterdam club until the summer and could make his debut when they travel to AZ Alkmaar next weekend.
As for his time at Arsenal, Zinchenko joined the Gunners from Manchester City in a £30million plus add-ons deal in July 2022 and went on to make 91 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals.
He produced a number of memorable moments in north London, scoring an important goal in a 4-2 win at Aston Villa in February 2023 and netting an exquisite half-volley against Burnley the following campaign.
Now, with his Arsenal career ending after three-and-a-half years, Zinchenko has sent a heartfelt message to the Gunners faithful.
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"To the Gunners," Zinchenko started in an Instagram post. I will never forget the way you welcomed me. Still remember the goosebumps I got at the first game after hearing your 'Always beliiiiiieeeve'. I couldn't even dream about it.
"From the deepest place in my heart I would like to say a massive thank you for everything that you have done for me and my family.
"To the coaching staff, thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of this amazing club. To the players, thank you for the priceless experience, fantastic memories and becoming friends for life. To all the staff, thank you for your help and for looking after me and my family.
"And of course to the fans, for love, support and criticism which we as a players need to accept and work even harder. I just want to wish you all the best and hope you achieve everything what ever you wish. Once a Gunner always a Gunner. Thank you. @arsenal [love heart emoji]."
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Zinchenko's final Arsenal appearance came against Southampton on the final day of last season. He then moved to Forest on loan in September after not featuring in the squad in each of the Gunners' first three Premier League matches in 2025/26, with both Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori preferred at left-back.
Despite making a bright start to life at The City Ground, Zinchenko's game time dwindled following the appointment of Sean Dyche as Forest's new manager in October and he was restricted to just a single Premier League start under the former Everton and Burnley boss until Arsenal recalled him last week.
Speaking about Zinchenko in mid-January, Dyche said: "We have spoken to the player and made it clear in his situation. He is aware of that, so we will see what happens. We are being very open with him. He is a thorough professional, he has been, and I am sure he will be going forward, no matter what."
Oleksandr Zinchenko of Nottingham Forest warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at City Ground on December 27, 2025 in Nottingham, England.
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Oleksandr Zinchenko has signed for Ajax(Image: 2025 MB Media)
Zinchenko has chosen to wear the No.47 shirt during his time at Ajax. Fred Grim's side sit fourth in the Eredivisie table and face a battle to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Ajax's director of football Marijn Beuker said on Zinchenko's arrival: "With Oleksandr, we are bringing in an experienced player who gives us an immediate quality boost in the pursuit of Champions League football. As a left-back he is tactically strong, provides defensive stability and fits perfectly with our way of playing.
"Oleksandr has proven in the Premier League that, in addition to his defensive qualities, he can also play an important role in build-up play and breaking lines. We are therefore very pleased that he will strengthen our squad at least until the summer."
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