TalkSPORT understands Oleksandr Zinchenko’s disappointing loan spell at Nottingham Forest is coming to an end and he will move to Ajax immediately.
The Dutch giants have agreed a deal with Ukrainian parent club Arsenal in a bid to get his career back on track.
3
The 29-year-old found himself on the edge of the stadium at the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
He had slowly slipped down the pecking order Riccardo CalafioriPiero Hincapie and Myles Lewis Skelly All of them are capable of playing as left-backs.
Several midfielders and wingers have now also been signed, including Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Ezemeaning his versatility was less important to the manager Mikel Arteta.
A season-long move to Nottingham Forest was sealed on transfer deadline day in early September.
However, due to poor form and three coaches this season, Zinchenko’s playing time was reduced.
He played five league games and five cup games at home and abroad, but was unable to claim a starting role.
The 29-year-old was replaced by Ola Aina in Forest’s Europa League squad for the second half of the season.
Zinchenko’s contract with Arsenal expires in the summer.
It is believed that Ajax could offer him longer terms if he impresses in Amsterdam.
3
3
The Dutch giants haven’t had the best of seasons and are currently in third place, 18 points behind the leaders PSV Eindhoven.
Ajax also struggled in the Champions League, winning only one game and losing the other five games.
That poor form led to them ditching head coach John Heitinga in November, although he now has a new role alongside the under-fire Thomas Frank at Tottenham.
Fred Grim is now interim coach of the Eredivisie club and has already seen Zinchenko’s former team-mate Takehiro Tomiyasu Join the club.
It was hoped that the Japan international would strengthen the defense, but they have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five games.
Zinchenko’s ability to play in both central midfield and left-back is believed to have increased Ajax’s interest.
Meanwhile, the player himself will be interested in playing football regularly as he wants to lead Ukraine to the World Cup.
His country faces Sweden in the play-offs in March and if they make it, they will play the winners of Poland v Albania.