Oleksandr Zinchenko set for Ajax medical as Arsenal exit nears

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s exit from Arsenal is nearing completion, with the defender set to undergo a medical ahead of a move to Ajax that is now described as imminent.

According to Voetbal International, the Ukrainian international is on the brink of finalising his switch to the Dutch giants after a key contractual hurdle was cleared earlier this week. Ajax have been waiting to conclude the deal and now expect it to move quickly.

Zinchenko had been on loan at Nottingham Forest since the summer, but the spell failed to develop as hoped. The defender struggled for regular minutes at the City Ground, prompting all parties to reassess the situation during the January window.

The original loan agreement did not include a break clause, meaning Arsenal and Forest were required to reach a separate financial settlement to terminate the deal early. That agreement has now been struck, officially ending Zinchenko’s time at Forest and freeing him to complete his next move.

With the Forest loan now cancelled, Ajax have been given the green light to proceed. Zinchenko is expected to undergo his medical later this week, rather than on Tuesday as initially anticipated.

Once completed, the 27-year-old will sign a six-month contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena, bringing him back to the Netherlands after previous spells in the Eredivisie earlier in his career.

Ajax sources indicate the delay has been administrative rather than problematic, with the club confident the transfer will be wrapped up shortly.

The structure of the move has also evolved. Ajax initially explored a straightforward loan arrangement, but that approach has now been altered.

Instead, the funds earmarked for a loan fee are being used to buy out the final six months of Zinchenko’s Arsenal contract, effectively turning the switch into a permanent transfer rather than a temporary stay.

For Arsenal, the deal brings clarity to Zinchenko’s future and removes a player who was no longer part of their short-term plans.

Zinchenko’s medical is the final step before Ajax confirm the signing. If completed as planned, the club are expected to announce the deal shortly after, allowing the defender to be registered in time for upcoming domestic and European fixtures. Arsenal, meanwhile, will formally close the chapter on Zinchenko’s time at the club once paperwork is finalised.