Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has joined Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan move, and the deal will supposedly have more than one financial benefit for the Gunners.
The Ukraine international was ostensibly set to stay put at the Emirates Stadium on deadline day after a move to Marseille fell through, but Forest conducted a last-minute operation to bring him to the City Ground.
The Europa League contenders had initially been pursuing Atletico Madrid's Javi Galan, but the 30-year-old's transfer also collapsed, forcing Nuno Espirito Santo's side to swerve for Zinchenko in the final hours of the window.
The Tricky Trees submitted a deal sheet by the 7pm deadline and quickly agreed personal terms with the former Manchester City left-back, who was unveiled as their last summer recruit late on Monday evening.
Forest's chief football officer Ross Wilson told the club's official website: "Alex’s pedigree speaks for itself. He was a big part of an extremely successful Manchester City team and played an important role for Arsenal in recent years.
Forest sign Zinchenko from Arsenal after 'extensive' summer operations
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s message to you. ? pic.twitter.com/NweDGzVIAJ
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 1, 2025
“He brings invaluable experience to Nottingham Forest, and we are delighted he completes our incoming signings this summer.
"We have worked extensively all summer to ensure we have a competitive squad that has a blend of youth and experience, ready to compete in all competitions. Alex is a great addition to the team and we are very confident he will have a big impact, on and off the pitch."
Zinchenko became Mikel Arteta's first-choice left-back at Arsenal following his arrival from Man City in 2022, demoting Kieran Tierney to a bit-part role as the Gunners boss switched from an overlapping defender to one more comfortable inverting into midfield.
However, Zinchenko was ultimately relegated to third-choice last season behind Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Jurrien Timber is another option on the left-hand side for the Premier League runners-up.
The 28-year-old has managed three goals and five assists in 91 matches for Arsenal across all competitions, but he will have to wait until September 20 (vs. Burnley) to make his debut, as he cannot face his parent club at the Emirates on September 13.
How Arsenal will benefit financially from Zinchenko move to Forest
Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko on on January 22, 2025
In an ideal world, Arsenal would have offloaded Zinchenko for good this summer, as the Ukraine international is in the last year of his contract with Arteta's side.
The Gunners struggled to drum up interest in a permanent move, though, and Zinchenko's hefty wages - £150,000 a week according to Capology- could have also proved to be a stumbling block.
The 28-year-old appears destined to leave on a free transfer in 2026, but Arsenal will still benefit financially from his temporary move to Forest, as journalist Tom Canton reports that Forest have paid the Gunners an unspecified loan fee.
Furthermore, the Garibaldi are also paying some of his wages, although it is not known what percentage of Zinchenko's pay packet they will be covering, or if they have agreed to fork out his entire salary while he is at the City Ground.
Zinchenko was one of four Arsenal players to leave on loan on deadline day alongside Fabio Vieira (Hamburger SV), Jakub Kiwior (Porto) and Reiss Nelson (Brentford), while Albert Sambi Lokonga also made the switch to Hamburg on a permanent deal.
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