Nottingham Forest push to sign Zinchenko on loan

Nottingham Forest are moving quickly to complete a loan move for Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko before the transfer deadline.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Forest submitted a deal sheet ahead of the 7pm cut-off and are rushing to finalise the paperwork. The proposed deal would see the Ukraine international join on a season-long loan.

The Midlands club turned to Zinchenko after their attempt to sign Atletico Madrid defender Javi Galan fell through on deadline day.

Arsenal career and contract situation

Zinchenko, aged 28, is now in the final year of his Arsenal contract. Last season, he featured just 23 times across all competitions, a sharp decline from his earlier role under Mikel Arteta.

The defender first arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2022 after Arsenal agreed a £30 million fee with Manchester City, alongside an extra £2 million in add-ons.

His arrival was seen as part of Arsenal’s rebuild under Arteta.

During his first two campaigns, Zinchenko was Arteta’s main choice at left-back. He played 33 games in his debut season and 35 matches in the following year.

His energy and attacking style gave Arsenal a fresh edge as they pushed for the Premier League title.

However, his influence reduced last season as academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly became Arteta’s preferred starter on the left side of defence.

The manager also had cover from Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, and new arrival Riccardo Calafiori.

Kiwior himself has completed a move to Porto in today’s transfer deadline, which further reshapes Arsenal’s defensive options ahead of the new campaign.

Why the move suits both clubs

Zinchenko’s departure would give Arsenal financial breathing room by lowering the wage bill and freeing resources for future signings.

For Forest, his arrival would add experience and quality to a defence that lacked depth in wide areas last season.

The Ukrainian international brings title-winning pedigree from his time at Manchester City, which could prove vital for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.

French club Marseille had also explored a deal for Zinchenko earlier this month, but Forest now looks set to win the race for his signature.