Oleksandr Zinchenko Completes Permanent Ajax Move After Arsenal Exit

Arsenal confirm Oleksandr Zinchenko has joined Ajax in a permanent deal following termination of Nottingham Forest loan.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has officially completed a permanent transfer from Arsenal to Ajax, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-year spell at the Emirates Stadium.

The Ukrainian international’s move was confirmed on February 1, 2026, after his season-long loan at Nottingham Forest was terminated by mutual consent to allow the transfer to go through. Ajax have secured Zinchenko’s services for a reported €1.5 million (£1.2m), with potential performance-related add-ons linked to Champions League qualification.

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Zinchenko has signed a short-term contract until June 30, 2026, strengthening Ajax’s defensive options for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

Reunion in Amsterdam

The 29-year-old will wear the No. 47 shirt at the Johan Cruyff Arena and reunites with Takehiro Tomiyasu, his former Arsenal teammate, who joined Ajax on loan earlier in the campaign.

The move also marks a return to the Netherlands for Zinchenko, who previously spent the 2016/17 season on loan at PSV Eindhoven earlier in his career.

Zinchenko joined Arsenal from Manchester City in July 2022 for around £30 million, quickly becoming a key figure under Mikel Arteta. His tactical intelligence and ability to operate as an inverted full-back played a major role in Arsenal’s evolution into title contenders.

During his time in north London, Zinchenko made 91 appearances across all competitions, contributing leadership, versatility, and experience at the highest level. However, recurring injuries and increased competition saw his role reduced, prompting a loan move to Nottingham Forest last summer.

With minutes limited at Forest, a permanent move offered a clean break for all parties.

Before Arsenal, Zinchenko enjoyed immense success at Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles, an FA Cup, four League Cups, and reaching the Champions League final in 2021.

On the international stage, he remains a central figure for Ukraine, holding the records as the country’s youngest goalscorer and youngest captain, with over 75 senior caps and the 2019 Ukrainian Footballer of the Year award to his name.

Ajax currently sit fourth in the Eredivisie, trailing leaders PSV Eindhoven, and believe Zinchenko’s Premier League experience will be vital in their push for European qualification. The club’s Director of Football Marijn Beuker, alongside intermediary Nathan van Kooperen, played a key role in finalising the move.

Zinchenko could make his Ajax debut in the upcoming league clash against AZ Alkmaar.

Arsenal Send Farewell Message

Arsenal released a statement thanking the defender for his service, wishing him and his family well in the next chapter of his career. Zinchenko also shared a farewell message on social media, expressing gratitude to the club, staff, and supporters.

While Arsenal recoup only a fraction of their original investment, the move allows both club and player to move forward. For Zinchenko, Ajax represents a chance to revive his career in a familiar league, while Arsenal continue reshaping their squad for sustained success.

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