Arsenal agree new January loan deal for £30m defender | Football

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to send Oleksandr Zinchenko on loan to Ajax for the remainder of the season, according to reports in the Netherlands.

Zinchenko has been with Nottingham Forest for the first half of the campaign having fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.

The 29-year-old has made just ten appearances in all competitions for Forest, though, struggling to make a significant impact at the City Ground – not helped by the club’s managerial merry-go-round this term.

In recent weeks, Neco Williams has established himself as Forest’s first-choice left-back, despite being naturally right-footed, and Sean Dyche appeared to pave the way for Zinchenko’s departure when facing the media last week.

‘We’ve spoken to the player, made him clear on his situation. He’s aware of that so we’ll see what happens,’ the Forest manager 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. I’ve just been open with him, really. It’s like I say, I’m open with all players. 

‘But I think when you’ve done as much as he has in the game, it’s more of a conversation. Not demanding anything other than just 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.’

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Zinchenko has likely played for Forest for the last time, with Ajax striking a six-month loan deal for the Ukrainian, ‘subject to a few details’.

It’s claimed Ajax’s hierarchy have been in direct contact with Zinchenko’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and negotiations are ongoing between the two clubs.

Zinchenko himself is said to be ‘open’ to the prospect of ending his disappointing spell with Forest to join Ajax on a temporary basis.

The Eredivisie outfit have been working to strengthen at both left-back and in midfield before the January transfer deadline – and Zinchenko is viewed as an ideal solution given he covers both positions.

The Ukraine international would bring with him a wealth of experience. He is also no stranger to the Dutch league having spent a season on loan at PSV Eindhoven in 2016/17.

The report adds that Ajax are exploring the possibility of signing the four-time Premier League winner for a longer period.

Zinchenko’s current contract with Arsenal is due to expire at the end of the season.

‘I don’t know yet, we’ll see,’ Zinchenko said when asked about his future last month.

‘We just need to go step by step and work hard.

‘I feel amazing [at Forest]. It is a big club with amazing people around.

‘I must use this opportunity to say a massive thanks to all the fans for the warm welcome. I really feel I need to give much more to the club.’

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