Oleksandr Zinchenko has said his goodbyes to teammates at both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest as he prepares to complete a permanent move to Ajax. The 29-year-old's loan at Forest was cut short, and discussions are now underway between Arsenal and the Dutch club for a modest fee.
The Ukrainian international visited both dressing rooms this past weekend when Forest hosted Arsenal at the City Ground, with the fixture schedule allowing him to bid farewell. Forest manager Sean Dyche had previously been open with Zinchenko about his limited game-time, having started only three matches since late October due to injury and competition.
Zinchenko made ten appearances for Forest during his loan spell. His departure from Arsenal comes after he lost his starting place following the arrivals of Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, all capable of playing at left-back, as well as the emergence of youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. He had featured 91 times for the Gunners since his £32million move from Manchester City.
The transfer is expected to be finalised before the winter window closes. Zinchenko will join academy product Ethan Nwaneri, who is securing a loan move to Marseille, as Arsenal players departing during this transfer window.
