Zinchenko Joins Forest on Loan as Bakwa Completes £30m Switch

Nottingham Forest have secured the loan signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal while also completing a permanent deal for Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa in a transfer package worth over £30m, Sport360NG reports.

Forest had initially pursued Atletico Madrid’s Javi Galan but, after failing to finalise that move, turned their attention to Zinchenko. The 28-year-old Ukrainian has featured 91 times for the Gunners since his £30m move from Manchester City in 2022, and now becomes Forest’s 12th new arrival of the summer window.

Chief football officer Ross Wilson praised the defender’s pedigree, saying:
“Alex has been part of highly successful sides at both Manchester City and Arsenal. His experience will be invaluable here at Forest, and we’re confident he’ll make a major contribution both on and off the pitch.”

Bakwa Signs Long-Term Deal

Alongside Zinchenko, Forest have added 23-year-old winger Dilane Bakwa on a five-year contract. The France Under-21 international has made 71 appearances for Strasbourg since joining from Bordeaux two years ago. His arrival takes Forest’s summer spending close to £180m.

“I’m delighted to join such a historic club,” Bakwa said. “The ambition here is clear, and once I learned of the interest, my decision was easy.”

Further Deadline-Day Business

Zinchenko was the second left-sided player recruited on deadline day, following the arrival of Cuiabano from Botafogo. The 22-year-old defender signed a four-year contract and became the fourth Botafogo player to join Forest this summer, after goalkeeper John Victor, striker Igor Jesus and defender Jair Cunha.

Other notable signings include Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich for £37.5m, James McAtee from Manchester City for around £30m, and Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo for £26m.

Managerial Uncertainty

Despite the heavy investment, manager Nuno Espírito Santo has voiced frustration at the club’s handling of transfers, saying progress on targets had been too slow. The Portuguese coach is expected to meet owner Evangelos Marinakis during the international break to discuss the situation.

Although BBC Sport understands Nuno’s position is uncertain, he is still due to lead the team against Arsenal on 13 September. Forest were beaten 3-0 by West Ham at the City Ground on Sunday, but the defeat is not thought to influence the upcoming talks.

Outgoing Move

Meanwhile, young full-back Eric Moreira has joined Rio Ave on loan for the season. The 19-year-old, signed from St Pauli last year, made five appearances in all competitions. Rio Ave, also owned by Marinakis, are currently 11th in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.