Zinchenko to Ajax 'Here We Go' as Arsenal Target Inter's Dimarco

Fabrizio Romano has given his seal of approval to Arsenal's imminent departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko, confirming the Ukraine international is heading to Ajax on loan for the remainder of the season.

The versatile defender has been a peripheral figure during his temporary stint at Nottingham Forest, managing just five Premier League appearances and ten outings across all competitions. His time at the City Ground is now concluding, with the 28-year-old set to reverse back to the Emirates before securing his switch to the Dutch giants.

Romano delivered his trademark "here we go" confirmation on his YouTube channel, outlining the mechanics of the move. Ajax have struck an agreement with both Arsenal and Zinchenko's representatives regarding contract terms for a loan through June, at which point the left-back—whose current deal expires in summer 2026—will become free to chart his own course.

The player will undergo medical examinations and complete paperwork imminently, with the transfer window still offering opportunities for movement in both directions.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are casting their net across Serie A. According to Italian outlet TuttoSport, the Gunners have zeroed in on Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco as a potential defensive acquisition. The left-back remains a priority target for the Nerazzurri hierarchy, with club officials Marotta and Ausilio preparing to open contract negotiations in February to lock down their number 32 before suitors circle.

The report notes that Manchester United had previously attempted to tempt Dimarco away from the San Siro but found no takers. With Ruben Amorim's departure from Old Trafford removing a potential advocate within the club, Inter appear to have one fewer rival to contend with in the race to secure his long-term future.

Speaking at a press conference, Mikel Arteta addressed Arsenal's recruitment philosophy. When questioned about the club's vetting process for incoming signings, the manager emphasised the importance of thorough due diligence: "The ideal scenario is that we spend all the time that is necessary to nail the process, and to understand exactly how we envision that player joining our club, and the team, and the relationship that we want to build there."

He acknowledged, however, that opportunistic deals sometimes demand swift action. "The reality is sometimes as well that when it's an opportunity, and you have to act, [it's not enough time]. But we have to try to be prepared as usual, and I think we have, in general, very good choices and the type of character and personalities that we have recruited are top."

Arsenal brought in eight fresh faces during the summer window, which prompted the initial decision to loan Zinchenko out to Nottingham Forest.