Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to send Oleksandr Zinchenko on loan to Ajax for the rest of the season, in accordance with reports within the Netherlands.
Zinchenko has been with Nottingham Forest for the primary half of the campaign having fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta on the Emirates.
The 29-year-old has made just ten appearances in all competitions for Forest, though, struggling to make a major impact on 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 in which for Zinchenko’s departure when facing the media on Thursday.
‘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.
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‘He’s played a few 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 believe once you’ve done as much as he has in the sport, it’s more of a conversation. Not demanding anything aside from just telling him the reality, as I see it. And that’s how much he can work out, how much game-time he’s going to get right now.’
Based on 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 couple of details’.
It’s claimed Ajax’s hierarchy have been in direct contact with Zinchenko’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and negotiations are ongoing between the 2 clubs.
Zinchenko himself is claimed to be ‘open’ to the prospect of ending his disappointing spell with Forest to affix Ajax on a short lived basis.
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The Eredivisie outfit have been working to strengthen at each left-back and in midfield before the January transfer deadline – and Zinchenko is viewed as a super solution given he covers each positions.
The Ukraine international would bring with him a wealth of experience. He can be 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 potential of signing the four-time Premier League winner for an extended period.
Zinchenko’s current contract with Arsenal is on account of expire at the tip of the season.
‘I don’t know yet, we’ll see,’ Zinchenko said when asked about his future last month.
‘We just have to go step-by-step and work hard.
‘I feel amazing [at Forest]. It’s a giant club with amazing people around.
‘I need to use this chance to say an enormous due to all of the fans for the nice and cozy welcome. I actually feel I would like to provide way more to the club.’
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