Nottingham Forest ‘agree’ Oleksandr Zinchenko return, Arsenal duo to be reunited in new move
Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to return from Nottingham Forest to Arsenal ahead of a second loan move of the season.
Nottingham Forest signed Zinchenko on transfer deadline day, after a late deal was agreed for the left-back.
The Ukraine international featured very minimally for the Gunners last season and hoped to secure minutes elsewhere.
But Zinchenko was quickly hit by injuries, spending over a month on the injury table with a ground issue.
And this week, it emerged that Nottingham Forest are open to cutting Zinchenko’s loan spell short as they attempt to look for alternative options.
Oleksandr Zinchenko set to join Ajax
Just two years ago, Zinchenko was a key figure for Arsenal in their quest for the Premier League title.
The defender joined the Gunners from Man City in 2022 with Gabriel Jesus, and the two enjoyed a transformative impact on their new club.
Zinchenko operated as an inverted left-back, coming into midfield and even popping up just outside the box as Arsenal built attacks.
| Oleksandr Zinchenko | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 5 |
| Minutes | 353 |
| Chances created | 5 |
| Tackles | 10 |
| Duels won | 16 |
But the past few seasons have seen him hit by countless injuries. Despite being just 29, the Ukraine international now looks set to leave the Premier League.
According to Mike Verweij of Telegraaf, Ajax are hoping to complete a deal to sign Zinchenko on loan, with an agreement already reached.
The left-back has just six months remaining on his Arsenal contract, and the Dutch club will hope to sign him permanently in the summer.
Zinchenko spent the 2016-17 season with Eredivisie with PSV, where he made 24 appearances across all competitions, largely featuring in midfield.
Arsenal duo to be reunited at Ajax
There will be a familiar face for Zinchenko when he arrives at Ajax, and it will come in the form of a former teammate.
Ajax signed Takehiro Tomiyasu in December, with the Japan international available on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal in the summer.
The 27-year-old is yet to make his debut for the Dutch side, having spent well over a year out of action with various injuries.
Tomiyasu and Zinchenko featured for Arsenal on either side of the defence, forming a brilliant partnership.
The Ukrainian would drift into midfield while the right-back formed a back-three with the two centre-backs.
Both players will hope to form a similar partnership in Eredivisie, as they look to overcome their injury struggles.