Medical paused as Arsenal advance permanent transfer talks
Arsenal are now holding fresh talks with Ajax over Oleksandr Zinchenko, as plans around his future take a new turn.
The Dutch club were initially set to sign the defender on loan, but the situation has now changed.
According to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, both clubs are working towards a permanent transfer instead.
Zinchenko is in the final six months of his Arsenal contract and no longer fits into Mikel Arteta’s plans, as his recent loan at Nottingham Forest was terminated early.
Arsenal have since made it clear that he is free to leave before the window closes. Ajax had already reached an agreement for a short-term loan until the end of the season.
The deal would have seen the Eredivisie side cover Zinchenko’s full wages during his stay. However, discussions have now shifted towards a cut-price permanent move.
This change has delayed what was expected to be a straightforward transfer.
Loan plan dropped as permanent deal explored
Zinchenko was scheduled to travel to Amsterdam earlier this week to complete his medical. The medical was set to take place on Tuesday ahead of the planned loan switch.
That process has now been put on hold while both clubs return to the table. The delay is understood to be linked directly to talks over a full transfer.
Ajax see value in securing the player beyond the current season. Arsenal are also open to a sale as they look to reduce their squad size.
With his contract close to running down, the club are keen to avoid losing him for free. A permanent exit would also help Arsenal lower their wage bill.
Zinchenko remains under contract but has fallen down the pecking order.
Arteta has preferred other options in defence and midfield this season. As a result, Zinchenko’s minutes have been limited when available.
However, talks are described as ongoing and constructive. There is a belief that the transfer will be completed soon.
Zinchenko keen on Ajax switch
Despite the delay, there is confidence from all parties involved. Arsenal, Ajax, and the player all believe an agreement can be reached.
Ajax have continued talks in the background while details are ironed out. Arsenal are not expected to stand in the way of his departure.
The club view this as the right moment to part ways. Zinchenko has remained professional throughout the process.
His camp is working closely with Ajax to finalise terms. No final agreement has been announced yet.
For now, the focus remains on agreeing on a fee that works for both sides. Once that is settled, the move is expected to move quickly.
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