Arsenal have confirmed the permanent transfer of defender Oleksandr Zinchenko to Ajax.
The Ukraine international fell out of favour under manager Mikel Arteta last summer, and he was loaned out to Nottingham Forest before the transfer deadline.
The 29-year-old barely made an impact for the Tricky Trees. After unsuccessfully working under three different managers, his loan was terminated by mutual consent.
Ajax have now finalised his transfer from the Gunners for just €1.5 million (£1.3m) plus add-ons, which are related to the Dutch outfit qualifying for the Champions League.
An official announcement has been made by Arsenal. Zinchenko was reportedly compensated for the remainder of his salary until June 30 (when his contract expires) to depart.
Arsenal have got his £120,000 per week salary off their wage bill. The hierarchy have made a loss as the amount gained is much less than his wages for five months (£2.4m).
Still, they could benefit in the long run if Ajax qualify for the Champions League next season. The Dutch outfit are presently one point adrift of second-placed Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal utilise the freed-up salary space in their wage bill to purchase a new defensive midfielder before the transfer deadline.
They have suffered a huge blow today with Mikel Merino out for several weeks with a foot injury. The Spaniard’s absence has left a big void to fill for the season run-in.
With the Gunners competing in all four competitions, they need sufficient depth and cover in the heart of the midfield to avoid the prospect of more injuries along the way.
Christian Norgaard is the immediate deputy for Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice, but Arsenal need one more player in the department, with Merino potentially out for a while.
A loan deal could be pursued before Monday’s transfer deadline, in our view.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com