Oleksandr Zinchenko could reinforce Ajax on loan from Arsenal in the January window

Ajax has reached a verbal agreement with Arsenal for the loan of The transfer now depends on medical examinations and final details.

European sources indicate that the Dutch club is looking for experience to reinforce the squad in the Eredivisie and continental competitions. Zinchenko, 29 years old, accepted the change in search of more minutes on the field. Arsenal facilitated the operation to continue the player’s career.

The January transfer window remains open, and the movement has gained strength in recent days. Clubes involved keeps a low profile, but the settlement progresses quickly.

Zinchenko’s trajectory in English football

Oleksandr Zinchenko arrived at Arsenal in July 2022, coming from Manchester City for around 35 million euros. Ele quickly became an important part of Mikel Arteta’s tactical scheme, playing as an inverted left-back or even in midfield.

In his first years for the Gunners, the Ukrainian played more than 90 official games and contributed to the consistent return to the Liga of the Campeões. Sua versatility and passing quality stood out in campaigns that placed Arsenal as a competitor for the Premier League title.

However, the 2025/26 season marked a significant change. The English club chose to loan him to Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2025 summer window, looking for more experience for the player.

Recent performance on Nottingham Forest

Zinchenko played just five matches for Premier League in the current season for Forest, totaling 353 minutes on the field. Ele didn’t score goals or provide assists, and the team struggles at the bottom of the table.

Adapting to Forest’s more defensive style did not occur as expected. The Ukrainian faced internal competition and minor injuries that limited his streak.

The early termination of the loan reflects a joint decision between the clubs and the player. Arsenal monitored the situation and approved the termination to make a new destination viable.

Reasons for Ajax’s interest

Ajax is going through a period of reconstruction after irregular seasons at Eredivisie. The club occupies intermediate positions and is looking for veterans to balance the young squad.

Zinchenko offers international experience, with titles at Premier League and time with the Ukrainian national team, where he serves as captain. Sua ability to play in multiple positions on the left sector attracts coach Francesco Farioli.

• Experience in elite competitions, including Liga of Campeões
• Technical quality in passing and passing the ball
• Leadership in the locker room, proven in the national team
• Versatility to cover flanks and midfield

The loan without a mandatory purchase option facilitates financial operations for Ajax.

Current season statistics

Zinchenko records modest numbers in Premier League 2025/26. Ele completed 91% of attempted passes and accumulated 26 blocks in defensive disputes.

The player created 14 goal situations in five appearances, demonstrating offensive capacity even with just a few minutes. Sua average number of duels won is around 55%, a solid value for the position.

Compared to previous seasons on Arsenal, the Ukrainian shows a natural drop in pace due to the lack of sequence. Ajax hopes to regain its best form with regular games.

In the Ukrainian national team, he remains called up and contributes in European qualifiers.

Context on Arsenal and defensive options

Arsenal has consolidated alternatives on the left side. Jogadores as well as Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber gained space, in addition to Kieran Tierney in a gradual return.

Mikel Arteta prioritizes tactical balance and approved the loan to keep the squad competitive. The London club leads or fights for the top positions in the current Premier League.

Zinchenko’s temporary departure does not change long-term plans. Seu contract with Gunners runs until 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Current situation of Ajax at Eredivisie

Ajax occupies a mid-table position in the Dutch league table this season. The club invests in occasional reinforcements to climb the rankings and guarantee a place in European tournaments.

The arrival of a player with an international CV like Zinchenko reinforces the technical director’s ambition. The Dutch team also competes in the Europa League phases.

Experienced reinforcements are part of the strategy to regain offensive identity. The Ukrainian’s loan fits into this planning.

Complete career of Zinchenko

Zinchenko started professionally with Ufa, from Rússia, before moving to Manchester City in 2016. Lá, won four Premier League titles and played in 128 games.

For the Ukrainian national team, he has been called up more than 60 times and has participated in Eurocopas recent games. The full-back became a national reference for his leadership on the field.

At Arsenal, he contributed to solid campaigns until the current loan. Sua trajectory includes constant adaptations to different coaches and systems.

The player maintains his residence in Londres and his family follows his career.

Initial repercussions of the negotiation

European journalists confirm rapid progress in negotiations. Ajax prioritizes agility to integrate reinforcement as soon as possible.

Dutch fans are optimistic about the possible arrival. Já the fans of Arsenal see the movement as an opportunity for Zinchenko to regain confidence.

The business follows normal winter window procedures.

Next steps in the agreement

Medical examinations mark the final stage before becoming official. Zinchenko travels to Países Baixos over the next few days to complete procedures.

Ajax prepares a presentation if everything goes well. The player expresses his desire to play regularly again.

The transfer represents a new phase in the Ukrainian’s career at 29 years old.