Ajax are closing in on the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the Dutch giants reaching an agreement with Arsenal to take over the Ukrainian International’s loan for the remainder of the season, pending the completion of a final deal.
The move offers Zinchenko a way out of a difficult spell at Nottingham Forest, where he has struggled for consistency since arriving last summer. Despite his pedigree, the 29-year-old has found himself playing an auxiliary role under multiple managers, prompting a reassessment of his short-term future.
Ajax’s interest has gathered momentum in recent days, with the club identifying the player as a capable addition to key areas in the squad. Talks have been conducted directly with Arsenal, who have sanctioned the loan takeover as they look to manage the player’s situation ahead of the summer, when he is due to become a free agent.
From the player’s perspective, the move is seen as a rejuvenating opportunity in a league he knows well, following a previous loan spell at PSV earlier in his career. That familiarity, coupled with Ajax’s style of play, has made the prospect even more appealing for the Ukrainian.
From Ajax’s point of view, sporting considerations have been at the forefront of their pursuits, as Zinchenko offers reliable versatility to operate in multiple areas on the pitch, particularly in midfield and as left-back, two positions the club is keen to reinforce during the current window.
Ajax are also aware of the bigger picture. With Zinchenko’s Arsenal contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Dutch club believes the move could open the door to a more permanent arrangement in the future, with all parties satisfied.
For now, the focus remains on finalising the deal for a short-term loan. Once the remaining details are resolved, Ajax are then expected to complete the move, securing a player with the much-needed experience to strengthen their push in the second half of the season.
