Ajax Circle Arsenal Talent as Zinchenko Heads to Amsterdam; Jesus Draws Italian Interest

Arsenal's winter clear-out is gathering pace, with Ajax making moves on the north London club's surplus talent. Oleksandr Zinchenko has verbally agreed to join the Eredivisie side on loan after his underwhelming spell at Nottingham Forest, with the Ukrainian set to undergo his medical in Amsterdam within the next 24 hours. Ajax will pick up his wages for the remainder of the season under the terms brokered with the Gunners.

But the Dutch outfit aren't stopping there. De Telegraaf reports that Ajax are actively considering a move for Christian Norgaard, Arsenal's summer signing from Brentford, as they hunt for an experienced midfielder to anchor their midfield. The 31-year-old former West Ham man would represent one option among several being evaluated, with Ajax also weighing up alternatives including Edson Alvarez, the ex-Hammers midfielder now plying his trade at Fenerbahce.

Norgaard sits alongside Manuel Ugarte and Wataru Endo on Ajax's radar—a trio of established operators in their thirties capable of bringing European nous to the Amsterdam club.

Away from the transfer merry-go-round, Gabriel Jesus finds himself at the centre of continental attention. The Brazilian's recent resurgence—capped by a brace against Inter Milan in midweek—has alerted the Italian heavyweights. AC Milan and Juventus are both sniffing around the forward, whose contract at the Emirates doesn't expire until 2027.

Despite his current importance to Mikel Arteta's side and his improved output of late, where he's outshone Viktor Gyokeres in recent weeks, the valuation remains modest. Italian sources suggest the Serie A giants could land him for a shade under €20m, roughly £17m, should Arsenal decide to sell.

Ethan Nwaneri, meanwhile, is on the verge of sealing a loan switch to Marseille as Arsenal continue their streamlining operation. The Gunners, despite their trophy-chasing credentials this season—sitting seven points clear at the summit, unbeaten in the Champions League, and into the Carabao Cup semi-finals—appear content to trim the squad rather than add significantly in January.