Arsenal could welcome back £32m man after unexpected loan issue

Nottingham Forest are open to ending Oleksandr Zinchenko’s loan spell from Arsenal earlier than planned, according to BBC Sport.

The £32 million signing joined the Tricky Trees on loan during the 2025 summer window after finding chances limited at Arsenal.

At the time, the move was seen as a chance for Zinchenko to regain rhythm and secure steady game time.

However, his spell at the City Ground has not gone as expected so far this season. Zinchenko, now 29, has made just ten appearances for Forest across all competitions since his arrival.

The left-back has yet to register a goal or assist, with his impact proving limited. Forest are now believed to see the defender as surplus to requirements within their current plans.

As a result, the club are said to be open to allowing him to leave before the loan ends. The situation is complex, as the loan agreement provides no clear option for early termination.

This means any move to end the deal would require further talks between all parties involved. A return to the Emirates Stadium would also bring its own challenges for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta already has a full squad, which could block any early recall from going ahead.

Forest stance and loan complications

Forest’s stance is based on their belief that Zinchenko no longer fits their needs. They are exploring ways to adjust their squad as the campaign moves into a busy period.

Despite that, the lack of a recall clause remains a major issue in the current agreement. Arsenal are under no obligation to take the player back before the loan expires.

This leaves Zinchenko’s short-term future uncertain as the transfer window continues. Any decision will need agreement from Forest, Arsenal and the player himself.

For now, the deal remains active, even with Forest open to a change.

Should Arsenal bring Zinchenko back?

Arsenal currently sit top of the league with a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. They are also one leg away from reaching the Carabao Cup final this season.

Arteta’s side have faced several injury problems across different areas of the squad. Even so, the Gunners have stayed strong and consistent at the top of the standings.

Despite those injuries, a return for Zinchenko appears unnecessary at this stage. Several players in the squad already struggle to secure regular minutes each week.

Adding another left-back would only increase that issue. Arsenal’s backline has looked settled, with Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly fitting in well.

The trio have adapted smoothly and offered balance in Zinchenko’s usual left-back role. From Zinchenko’s point of view, regular football remains the key concern.

Arsenal cannot promise him steady minutes under the current setup. A move to another club, where he can play more often, may suit him better.

That option would allow him to rebuild confidence and form through consistent action. For now, his future remains unclear as all sides weigh up their next steps carefully.

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