Zinchenko seals last minute loan to Forest | OneFootball

Oleksandr Zinchenko has joined Nottingham Forest on loan after an unexpected deadline day twist brought an end to a summer of uncertainty over his future at Arsenal.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The 28-year-old had been available for transfer since the start of the window, but earlier talks with Marseille and Fenerbahçe collapsed.

Arsenal valued him at around £12–13 million yet found suitors reluctant to pay that much for him, Marseille unable to match his salary and Fenerbahçe pulling out after managerial changes.

With options dwindling, Zinchenko appeared set to remain in north London until Forest submitted a late proposal. A loan fee is believed to be involved.

Forest

Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson, said: “Alex’s pedigree speaks for itself. He was a big part of an extremely successful Manchester City team and played an important role for Arsenal in recent years.

“He brings invaluable experience to Nottingham Forest, and we are delighted he completes our incoming signings this summer. We have worked extensively all summer to ensure we have a competitive squad that has a blend of youth and experience, ready to compete in all competitions. Alex is a great addition to the team and we are very confident he will have a big impact, on and off the pitch.”

Signed from Manchester City in 2022 for £30 million, he immediately became a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s rebuild but by 2024-25 his role had been reduced significantly.

For Zinchenko, the loan represents an opportunity to get back to playing regular Premier League football after a season in which he made only five league starts and described as the “worst season” of his career.

For Arsenal, the loan removes a high earner from the wage bill (thank you Edu!).