Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko will be joining PL rivals Nottingham Forest on loan. This comes despite him being in the last year of his contract.
Nottingham Forest sign Zinchenko on loan
Oleksandr Zinchenko, a player many thought would ride out his Arsenal contract, has packed his bags for Nottingham Forest. The move was pushed through late on deadline day, with paperwork filed just after the cut-off.
Arsenal still managed to squeeze out a loan fee, while Forest agreed to take on his wages. Although, it’s unclear if they’ll take care of his full wages. Marseille sniffed around for a deal, and clubs in Germany and Italy made calls too. But, Forest won the race.
For the Gunners, the transfer is a strange one. This comes after considering Zinchenko’s experience and his history of being a reliable squad option.
What this means for Arsenal
The Ukrainian was one of several names put up for sale this summer. Yet, it seemed he might stay put as other teammates found exits across Europe. Jakub Kiwior headed to Porto, Reiss Nelson is Brentford-bound, and Fabio Vieira has already landed in Hamburg. That said, Zinchenko staying looked the safe bet. But, Arsenal’s board clearly felt otherwise.
For Forest, this is a smart move. They get a seasoned international who can steady their defense and add composure on the ball. For Arsenal, it’s another question mark in a summer of mixed calls in the market. Fans will wonder if the club are gambling too heavily on depth in a season where injuries can ruin momentum.
Author’s Opinion:
This move feels less like smart business and more like a risk. Zinchenko could have still offered value in rotation, while Arsenal’s rivals now benefit. If Forest gain from his presence, Arsenal fans will have every right to feel frustrated.