Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to send defender Oleksandr Zinchenko on loan to Dutch giants Ajax for the remainder of the campaign, cutting short his temporary spell at Nottingham Forest.
Forest Spell Fails to Ignite
According to prominent reports from the Netherlands, a deal in principle is now in place for the Ukrainian international. Zinchenko, 29, joined Nottingham Forest on loan for the first half of the 2025/26 season after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
However, his time at the City Ground has been underwhelming. The versatile left-back made just ten appearances across all competitions, failing to secure a regular starting spot. His situation was not helped by Forest's managerial changes this term, and he has recently found himself behind the right-footed Neco Williams in the pecking order for the left-back position.
Dyche Paves the Way for Exit
Forest manager Sean Dyche all but confirmed the player's impending departure when speaking to the media on Thursday, January 18, 2026. He stated he had been transparent with Zinchenko about his limited prospects for game time.
'We've spoken to the player, made him clear on his situation. He's aware of that so we'll see what happens,' Dyche told reporters. 'He's played a couple of games, but hasn't featured in others. He's been injured. That hasn't been helpful to him or to us.'
Dyche added, 'I think when you've done as much as he has in the game, it's more of a conversation... telling him the truth, as I see it. And that's how much he can figure out, how much game-time he's going to get at this time.'
Ajax Step In with Six-Month Offer
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims that Zinchenko has likely played his last game for Nottingham Forest. The report states that Ajax have struck a six-month loan deal for the player, 'subject to a few details'.
It is believed Ajax's hierarchy have been in direct contact with Zinchenko's powerful agent, Jorge Mendes, with negotiations ongoing between the two clubs. The player himself is said to be 'open' to moving to Amsterdam on a temporary basis to revive his fortunes.
Ajax have been seeking reinforcements at both left-back and in midfield during this January transfer window, and Zinchenko's ability to cover both roles makes him an attractive option. The four-time Premier League winner would also bring vast experience and familiarity with the Eredivisie, having spent the 2016/17 season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.
The report further suggests that Ajax are considering the possibility of a longer-term deal for Zinchenko, whose current contract with Arsenal is set to expire at the end of the season.
When asked about his future last month, Zinchenko remained coy, saying, 'I don't know yet, we'll see. We just need to go step by step and work hard.' He did, however, express gratitude for his time at Forest, stating, 'I feel amazing [at Forest]. It is a big club with amazing people around.'
