Forgotten Arsenal Star Gets Shock Career Revival Opportunity
Oleksandr Zinchenko's disappointing loan stint at Nottingham Forest may be nearing its conclusion, as Dutch media sources indicate that Ajax are eager to acquire the multi-position Arsenal defender "at the earliest opportunity."
With Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly and, most probably, the adaptable Jurriën Timber ahead of him in Arsenal's left-back hierarchy, Zinchenko faced minimal prospects of featuring in the red and white jersey this campaign, particularly given Mikel Arteta's hesitation to deploy him in the central midfield position he frequently occupies for Ukraine internationally.
Nevertheless, it came as a shock when Nottingham Forest secured the Ukrainian on a temporary deal, despite their efforts to strengthen then-manager Nuno Espiríto Santo's squad ahead of this season's Europa League campaign.
Zinchenko has accumulated 225 minutes in European competition, though his Premier League involvement has been similarly limited following a groin problem that sidelined him for nearly two months. After recovering his fitness, Sean Dyche has opted to start Zinchenko just once—during a 2–0 home loss that worsened the club's relegation concerns.
Ajax Emerge As Potential Destination
Ajax Emerge As Potential Destination
While there had been earlier rumors about Zinchenko's Forest loan potentially being terminated early, no concrete alternatives were mentioned. According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, former European champions Ajax are now willing to take the gamble.
The Eredivisie powerhouse aims to "complete" Zinchenko's acquisition "at the earliest opportunity," the report suggests, with Ajax already engaged in discussions with his representative, the well-known Jorge Mendes, regarding a possible transfer. Significantly, the player seems to have approved the potential move.
Ajax apparently seeks reinforcement at both left-back and the defensive midfield position—roles they believe Zinchenko can fulfill at an elevated standard. He possesses considerable experience operating in central midfield for his national team, disrupting opposition play through aggressive tackling while also demonstrating energy-sapping forward runs.
Zinchenko also possesses a sharp scoring instinct, having found the net on 12 separate occasions at international level. In club football, he's scored seven goals across 286 appearances—reflecting the positions where he's spent most of his career.
What Guardiola Once Said of Zinchenko
What Guardiola Once Said of Zinchenko
"In the role we utilize in midfield, in those spaces as the offensive midfielder," Pep Guardiola previously commented regarding Zinchenko's optimal position. "That's his natural role, without question. When we acquired Oleks for £2 million from Ukraine, he operated as a No.10—similar to Phil Foden's role, a playmaker—but our requirements... We lacked a left-back for several years."
His transition to left-back occurred "because he possesses intelligence and understands the situation completely. He adjusted and declared: 'Fine, what does the squad require? I'll fulfill that role.'"
Zinchenko subsequently joined Arsenal from Manchester City in a transfer valued at £32 million including bonuses. He immediately became a regular starter for Mikel Arteta at left-back—the Spanish manager well aware of the player's capabilities following his time on Guardiola's City coaching team—and featured in 54 Premier League matches during his initial two complete seasons in north London. However, he was eventually displaced by both Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly this past season—the latter being the newest talent from the Gunners' renowned youth system.
His deal concludes this summer and, unless circumstances change dramatically, Zinchenko will depart Arsenal. Ajax, and Amsterdam, could provide his permanent residence if a temporary move materializes and proves successful.