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Another season over, and another step forward for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's side weren't able to end their two-decade title drought, but by pushing Manchester City to the final day, they made it clear that they weren't going away anytime soon.

So, it's going to be a big summer for the Gunners as they look to bridge that ever-decreasing gap to the champions.

While incoming transfers are sure to dominate the headlines, like the failed move for Benjamin Šeško, Edu Gaspar and Co look set to shift several players, one of whom earns more than the Slovenian – even after his new deal.

Arsenal transfer news

According to journalist Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are looking to sell several squad players this summer, and English striker Eddie Nketiah is near the top of that list.

Jacobs has revealed that the 25-year-old is still on Crystal Palace's radar and that the Gunners expect to receive around £30m to £35m for the player.

However, depending on how the striker market shapes up this summer and how much players like Armando Broja go for, the North Londoners could ask for even more, safe in the knowledge that the 25-year-old is contracted until 2027 and unlikely to see his price come down.

If Edu and Co can shift the Lewisham-born forward for a fee that high, then they will have done a fantastic job. Despite flashes of brilliance here and there, he hasn't justified his place at Arsenal, and he certainly hasn't justified his hefty wage.

Eddie Nketiah's wage

Nketiah joined Arsenal as a youngster following his release from Chelsea for being too small, and since his first team debut against Bate Borisov in a 2017 Europa League clash, he has made 168 total appearances for the Gunners.

In those appearances, he's returned a somewhat underwhelming tally of 38 goals and seven assists, meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every 3.73 games, which just isn't good enough for a striker in a title-chasing side, even as a substitute.

However, after enjoying a particularly impressive run of games at the back end of the 2021/22 campaign, in which he scored five goals in seven league games, he was rewarded with a new £100k-per-week deal in a move which was likely more about protecting his value over anything else.

However, this contract means he is earning more than the club's most recent striker target, Šeško, who, even after just agreeing to a new deal, is on less than the Englishman – £94k-per-week, to be exact.

This means that when combining his £11.2m career earnings at the start of this season with the 52 weeks of wages he's received since he's cost the club a whopping £16.4m to date.

That breaks down to around £97k-per-appearance, £431k-per-goal, or £2.3m-per-assist – talk about value for money.

Ultimately, Nketiah has had plenty of opportunities to prove himself by now, and while he's shown glimpses of brilliance here and there, he's not of the standard required to take Arsenal forward next season. Therefore, if Edu can get his £100k-per-week wages off the books this summer, he should do so, especially for £35m.

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By
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Following a disappointing 8th placed finish in the Premier League last season, Manchester United now look set to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad going into the next campaign.

Man Utd eye big moves this summer

With this summer window being the first under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there was always the assumption that the Red Devils would be set to open their chequebook and spend big.

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By
Ben Browning

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One area that United appear desperate to improve on is in defence. The latest rumours have linked the Red Devils with a move for Lille star Leny Yoro, who also has interest from rivals Liverpool. This recent news follows the ongoing saga surrounding Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been the Red Devils' top target for some time.

Ratcliffe also seems desperate to bring a new number nine to Old Trafford this summer. Joshua Zirkzee appears to be at the top of United's shopping list with the club leading the race to exercise the Bologna talisman's £34million release clause.

With this in mind, the Red Devils are reportedly interested in bringing in another well regarded striker to the Theatre of Dreams during the transfer window.

Red Devils eye surprise swoop for Morata

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Turkish media are suggesting that Man Utd are one of a number of sides interested in a deal for Atlético Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. The outlet reports that the Red Devils are joined by AS Roma, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and lastly Fenerbahce in pursuit of the 31-year-old forward, hence the interest from the Turkish rumour mill.

It is said that Morata's agent is in talks with almost all of these clubs, including United, who appear to be in the market for a back-up striker to support Rasmus Hojlund going into next season. The Spaniard's current deal has a release clause of a little over £10million, a figure that the Red Devils should have no issue matching.

Whilst boasting a CV consisting of spells in Spain, Italy and England, Morata has often struggled for consistency in front of goal, particularly during his time with Chelsea back in 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Despite his previous struggles, Morata has carved out a decent career for himself at current side Atlético Madrid. Since returning to the Spanish capital in 2022, the striker has become a fan favourite at the Metropolitano Stadium, scoring 15 and 21 league goals in each of his full seasons at the club.

Morata's recent displays have seen him star as Spain's first choice striker at Euro 2024, even captaining his nation during the early passages of the tournament.

It was his exploits last season that saw Morata earn praise from Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who made a bold claim about the striker to the press: "Alvaro Morata is on par with Erling Haaland. In terms of goals and his numbers, he can certainly be compared to him."

Whilst a comparison to the seemingly unstoppable Haaland may be a bit of a stretch, there is no doubt that Morata would be a great addition to the Red Devils' squad if they are determined to let Hojlund flourish as the number one option.

Ivan Toney has insisted he's not competing with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League while addressing speculation over his England future.

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• Toney plays down Ronaldo rivalry
• Claimed Saudi league is a 'tough' competition
• Has scored four goals for Al-Ahli

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Brentford star left the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League in the summer, joining Al-Ahli in a £34 million (€40m) deal. The 28-year-old forward has made a solid start to his new journey, scoring four goals in 10 appearances across all competitions.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The English attacker is relishing his experience in the Middle East and sharing the limelight with world-class forwards like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, however, he made it very clear that is not looking to compete with the Portuguese legend and will instead focus on his own progress.

• WHAT IVAN TONEY SAID

  Speaking to , Toney said: "I always set targets for myself and hopefully I can hit them. I know you're probably going to ask me what my target is but it doesn't come out. It only comes out when I hit it come the end of the season. So, hopefully I can keep playing well and score goals to help the team and help to win the games."

  When asked about facing competition from Ronaldo, the striker added: "I don't watch what other people are doing. Obviously we know Ronaldo is a top player but I'll concentrate on myself and do what I can do best. It's all good coming up against these players, but we're not here to idolise them, we're here to beat them."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  At the time of Toney's transfer to Saudi Arabia, former Arsenal star Alan Smith had issued a warning that he might not get picked for the England national team after moving to an inferior league. Responding to the criticism, Toney said: "I'm only in control of what I can do on the pitch. If that's the case, that they see me coming here is damaging my chances, then I can't really change that. But, all I can do is focus on myself and play well, and who knows what can happen."

Arsenal are to make a player-plus-cash offer for one £160,000-per-week star after growing annoyed with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal identify Zubimendi as key transfer target for midfield

Reports in the last few weeks have suggested that the La Liga midfielder, who made 45 appearances in all competitions as a mainstay of Sociedad's midfield last season, is a key target for Arsenal as Edu Gaspar looks to bolster the engine room.

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Arsenal plot opening bid and negotiations to sign £50 million England star

The Gunners have set their sights on one of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 19, 2024

Mikel Arteta could lose Thomas Partey this summer, with the north Londoners looking likely to sell him. He's entered the final 12 months of his contract at Arsenal, and suffered from various injury problems last season which limited him to around 14 Premier League appearances.

Some media sources state that Partey has held productive talks over a move to Saudi Arabia, and if he does end up departing in the coming weeks, then the Gunners will need a replacement for him.

They've been linked with a succession of names, but Zubimendi is believed to be a leading midfield target for Arsenal, as Arteta seeks to bring in a partner/alternative to Declan Rice. His contract includes a £51 million release clause, and Arsenal apparently have no problem paying Zubimendi's valuation.

The hurdle in their way is Zubimendi's willingness to make a Premier League move and agreeing personal terms, as it is believed that the Spaniard is happy where he is right now.

“Midfield is still a high priority, and we know that Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi," said journalist Ben Jacobs to GiveMeSport.

“And the challenge there is about persuading the player to leave Real Sociedad because he's very much in love with the club and the culture, lifestyle, so he's settled. But because he's in his mid 20s, not early 20s or a teenager, it's kind of a crossroad, because once you turn 26, even though that's your peak, a lot of clubs like to buy a little bit younger. So we wait and see whether Arsenal move in that direction.”

Arsenal to make player-plus-cash bid for Guimaraes

Football Transfers back that Zubimendi himself is holding up the potential transfer, as the 25-year-old is yet to reply to a wage offer which Arsenal have made.

This is said to be frustrating Arteta's side, and they've now turned their attention to Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes as a result. The £160,000-per-week Brazil international, who racked up seven goals and eight assists in 37 league starts for Newcastle last season, is one of Eddie Howe's most crucial figureheads.

However, their PSR situation could force Newcastle to sell, or at least entertain potential swap deals, as Arsenal look to strike a move for below the 26-year-old's £100 million clause. FT write in their headline that Arsenal are to make a player-plus-cash offer for Guimaraes, and this is something the Magpies could be open to if their price tag isn't met.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Emile Smith Rowe, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Eddie Nketiah and Partey are listed as potential swap deal nominees by the report, as all are expected to depart the Emirates this summer.

Arne Slot dismissed reports that Federico Chiesa could leave Liverpool on loan in January, even though he is struggling to stay fit.

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• Chiesa has played only three matches for the Reds
• There was talk about leaving the club in January
• Slot shared update on his injuries and future

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Italian winger, who completed a £10 million move from Juventus in the summer, has faced persistent injury setbacks that have limited him to just 78 minutes across three Liverpool appearances. His integration into the squad was further hindered by a disrupted pre-season at Juventus, where he was reportedly restricted to low-intensity training sessions.

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  WHAT SLOT SAID

  There has been intense speculation from Italy suggesting a temporary return to Serie A for Chiesa in the winter transfer window. However, those reports have been met with firm rejection by Slot, who is focused on restoring the player’s fitness for a more sustained impact at Anfield.

  When asked about Chiesa's future, Slot told reporters: "[Parting ways with Chiesa] hasn't gone through my mind at all. First and foremost is that he gets fit again and then we can see where he is. He missed pre-season [with Liverpool] and in pre-season [with Juventus] he was on low-intensity sessions as he had to train with three or four players separate from the group. Going from then to a high-intensity league, to a high-intensity playing style is difficult in general for every player, but especially if you had a pre-season like this."

• WHEN CAN CHIESA RETURN TO ACTION?

  The Liverpool boss described the careful approach the club has taken with Chiesa’s rehabilitation, aiming to balance physical preparation with a gradual return to full match fitness.

  "We knew this before and we knew we had to be really careful to adjust where we could to his individual needs," he said. "But it hasn't been perfect yet so we are trying to find the right way of building him up without overloading him. That has been difficult up until now. I have full confidence that will happen. Let's let him first be fit."

  When pressed for an expected return date, Slot refrained from offering a specific timeline, citing the unpredictable nature of Chiesa’s injuries.

  "That’s always difficult to say, because he goes a bit up and down," said Slot. "Sometimes he is there with us, train a few days and then he goes out for an injury again. I don’t want to put days or weeks on it because we just have to make sure he gets in the best possible shape, and I don’t put any pressure on him by coming out with dates."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Chiesa will remain unavailable as Liverpool play Brighton twice this week, first in the Carabao Cup at the AMEX Stadium and then in the Premier League on Saturday at Anfield.

Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian set another Brazilian Serie A record after scoring in Palmeiras' win over Gremio on Friday.

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• Willian sets Brazilian Serie A record
• Scored the winner against Gremio
• The attacker has been called up to the national team

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 17-year-old wonderkid netted the winner for Palmeiras in the 73rd minute against Gremio to become the first Under-18 player in the history of Brazilian Serie A to record 20 goals and assists in one season. He has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the 2024-25 campaign.

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  Willian, who is all set to move to Premier League giants Chelsea in July 2025 – shortly after his 18th birthday, is now the league's top scorer and also the highest assist-maker. Last month, the attacker had eclipsed Brazil icon Neymar to become the most prolific 17-year-old in the league's history as he reached 17 goal contributions. Until then, the Al-Hilal star held the record of 16 goals and assists which he posted for Santos in 2009.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The teenager's brilliant start to the new season has already earned him two national team caps for the Selecao as he made his international debut in September against Ecuador in a 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying game. He has also been called up for the team's upcoming qualifying games this month against Venezuela and Uruguay.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO WILLIAN?

  'Messinho' will aim to get more national team experience in the upcoming international break before he gets back to action for Palmeiras against Bahia on November 20 in a league clash.

It may feel as if the 2023/24 campaign has only just finished, but the start of pre-season is now just right around the corner, with Ange Postecoglou no doubt hoping that Tottenham Hotspur can get their business done early in time for the squad reunion next week.

The latest suggestion is that the Lilywhites are once again looking to strengthen their midfield ranks, with Aston Villa starlet Jacob Ramsey believed to be a leading target for the former Celtic boss.

According to recent reports, the north London outfit are hopeful that they could prise the Englishman from Villa Park for a fee of around £50m, with the 23-year-old able to offer increased competition to likes of Pape Matar Sarr, James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur in the centre of the park.

Despite that move having received the backing of Postecoglou, Ramsey is seemingly not the only promising midfield talent to have caught the eye of late…

Latest on Spurs' search for a midfielder

Having reported on the club's interest in Ramsey, football.london journalist Alasdair Gold has also revealed that Spurs are considering Stade Rennais sensation, Desire Doue, as a possible target this summer.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a real breakout season in France and is said to have captured the interest of a host of clubs across Europe, according to Gold, with Tottenham seemingly among the latest suitors to have thrown their hat in the ring.

While there is no suggestion that Postecoglou and co have made a concrete move as yet, if the Premier League side are to push through a move for the teenage Frenchman they may reportedly have to fork out around €40m (£34m).

Why Spurs should sign Desire Doue

Much like Ramsey, Doue would prove a welcome addition to Postecoglou's ranks due to his innate versatility, with the Rennes youngster able to operate in an attacking midfield role, as well as on either flank.

That flexibility played its part in what was a hugely impressive 2023/24 campaign for the in-demand talent, as he chalked up four goals and five assists in 31 Ligue 1 outings – Ramsey, by contrast, scored just once and provided only one assist in 16 league games during an injury-hit season.

Of course, it is harsh to judge the Villa man based on his injury woes last term – as he did contribute 13 league goals and assists the season prior – but Doue does stack up well when comparing their records across the last 365 days.

As shown in the table above, it is the French diamond who notably holds the edge with regard to his dribbling prowess and ability to beat a man, as indicated by his superior record with regard to progressive carries and successful take-ons, per 90.

That ability to simply glide up the pitch with the ball has earned Doue comparisons to notable figures in European football, with data analyst Ben Mattinson remarking that he is "similar to [Jamal] Musiala" in the way that he "toys with defenders".

Musiala – who boasts 74 goal involvements in just 163 games for Bayern Munich at the age of only 21 – has stolen the headlines in recent weeks due to his displays for Germany at Euro 2024, with the one-time England youth star scoring a goal in each of the hosts' opening two group games.

To think that Spurs could get their hands on their own version of the fleet-footed Bayern man is truly mouthwatering, and at a potentially cheaper cost than Ramsey, Doue could be a worthy target for Postecoglou this summer.

Spurs now lead race to land "exceptional" £60m Ramsey alternative

The brilliant star would be far more effective for the Lilywhites than the Villa man.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 29, 2024

Manchester United are now eyeing a loan move for their next transfer target after securing a deal for centre-back Leny Yoro.

Yoro agrees to join Man Utd

The Red Devils and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have already secured their first marquee signing of the summer in forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. When asked why he chose Man Utd, the Netherlands international said:

"I have a lot of trust and a good feeling about this step. It wasn't a difficult decision. I mean, I love Bologna a lot, but Manchester United just gave me a very, very good feeling. I'm confident that what's planned will also happen.

"It's been a rollercoaster, the past few weeks. Some very good experiences and I'm very happy to be here. Obviously, making a transfer to Manchester United is something very positive. I just can't wait to get started and continue what I basically did last season. I'm just hoping to improve every day and do the best I can."

After Zirkzee, United quickly moved on to adding to their centre-back ranks, with Leny Yoro on course to officially complete a move to Old Trafford from Lille.

The 18-year-old was also wanted by Real Madrid, but it is Erik ten Hag and Ratcliffe who are set to secure his services in a €50m+ deal, with the player ready to agree a five-year deal.

With big-money deals for Zirkzee and Yoro, finances could be limited for a third summer signing unless players are sold, which may result in the club looking at a loan move for one target.

Man Utd eyeing loan move for Ugarte

After a centre-forward and a centre-back to replace the already departed Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane, a new midfielder could be next on the to-do list for those at Old Trafford.

One midfielder who has been linked is Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte. The Red Devils initially made contact for the Uruguay international last month and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed earlier this week that “more talks” have taken place.

Now, as per GiveMeSport, Man Utd could look to sign Ugarte on loan from PSG and include either an option or obligation to make a move permanent next summer, rather than stumping up an immediate fee this year.

Ugarte, on £100,000-a-week in France, appears to be viewed as a potential replacement for Casemiro, and United are keeping their options open in regards to how they could bring the midfielder to Manchester.

The 23-year-old was called a “midfield machine” by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig last year after his impressive numbers during the 2022/23 campaign. Should United secure a loan deal with an option to buy for Ugarte, then Casemiro could complete a move away, amid rumours of a switch to Saudi Arabia, making this one to watch.

Steven Gerrard will remain manager of Al-Ettifaq despite the club making major changes to their coaching and technical staff.

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• Gerrard holds onto job in Saudi Arabia
• Dean Holden & Mark Allen shown door by Al-Ettifaq
• Ex-midfielder has contract until 2027

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Although the former Liverpool midfielder managed to keep his job, assistant manager Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen have parted ways with the club. Allen, who previously served as Manchester City’s academy coach, joined Al-Ettifaq in January, whereas, Holden, a former Charlton Athletic manager, arrived a month later in February as Gerrard’s assistant.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After a string of disappointing results, there were growing frustrations within the club. They have lost four out of their last five games, including a disheartening 2-0 defeat against local rivals Al Qadsiah earlier this month. The result led to fans expressing their dissatisfaction and frustration, as Gerrard faced boos from the stands – a stark reminder of the pressure he faces to improve. Moreover, the Englishman was also accused of waiting for his huge pay-off after they crashed out of the King's Cup to second-division outfit Al-Jabalain.

• WHAT AL-ETTIFAQ SAID

  Confirming the developments, Al-Ettifaq issued a statement which read: "The chairman, Mr Sameer Almisehal, reaffirmed that the board is fully committed to supporting the technical staff and players in their efforts to improve the club's position in the league and to secure a top spot in the Gulf Champions League.

  "He also expressed his apologies to Ettifaq fans for the disappointing exit from the King Cup. The board and everyone at the club deeply appreciates the unwavering support of Ettifaq fans despite recent unsatisfactory results. We remain optimistic that better results are on the horizon."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Gerrard assumed his role as Al-Ettifaq’s head coach in July 2023, following his stints with Rangers in Scotland and Aston Villa in the Premier League, on a contract with the club until 2027. However, his recent struggles have fuelled rumours of a potential return to Rangers, as current manager Philippe Clement faces his own set of challenges at Ibrox.

It wouldn't have come as a great shock to Derby County fans when Ebou Adams was unveiled as their latest signing recently, with the now former Cardiff City midfielder clamouring for a return ever since an impactful loan spell ended last season, which saw him become a firm fan's favourite at Pride Park in no time at all.

The no-nonsense defensive midfielder only needed 17 games to instantly become engrained into many a Derby supporter's heart, winning a mightily impressive 7.9 duels per League One clash when donning a Rams strip, as Paul Warne's men got over the line in their quest to win automatic promotion.

Everyone connected to Derby will be thrilled to have Adams back in amongst the ranks permanently, therefore, for the challenge of Championship football this season to come.

But, this other key first-teamer could be even more important to the Rams cause this coming season away from Adams' jubilant return, having starred at the level before as an experienced head.

Curtis Nelson's time at Derby

Curtis Nelson joining the ranks before a ball was kicked last campaign on a free transfer has proven to be a masterstroke of a signing, as the defensive titan performing valiantly for the Rams across the entirety of their promotion-winning season, with just 37 goals leaked thanks to their determined warrior.

That was a league-best for last season in the third tier, as the likes of Nelson and former Luton Town man Sonny Bradley routinely shut out many League One attackers from the heart of defence, to finally lift Derby back up to the promised land of the Championship.

Nelson's experience and nous of the level Derby are leaping up to will be paramount next campaign, especially if Warne's men initially struggle with the demands of the higher-up division, with the ex-Cardiff gem amassing 134 games in the second-tier over the years.

Across his last full campaign in this league, Derby's number 35 did only manage to tally up five clean sheets from 25 games playing for a relegation-threatened outfit in Blackpool, but – with the added grit of Adams next to him – he should be able to shut out attackers competently on the way to the Rams hopefully excelling and not sinking under new pressures.

Nelson – who was hailed as "colossal" by Warne last season – is also worth more than Adams, when casting an eye over their respective transfer values, despite the battling centre-back being very much deep into his twilight years at 31 years of age, compared to Adams being 28 years of age.

Nelson's transfer value for Derby

According to Football Transfers' estimation, Nelson is worth in the region of £1m to Warne and Co currently, showing off how vital he was to Derby's promotion success story, after joining just year as a free agent with plenty to prove.

In contrast, Adams' initial reported fee of £500k to rejoin the Pride Park ranks – as per Wales Online – means he is way off Nelson's most recent price tag, despite the deal taking an age to get over the line and his own importance to the Rams securing a return to the second tier not going unnoticed.

Yet, across a full season to come, Adams could well end up becoming more of a valued asset than Nelson, with WalesOnline also reporting that there are many clauses in place that could see the deal rise to the £1m zone.

The former Forest Green man's value could even rise above that if he shines in the Championship regularly like he did briefly in League One, as the Rams aim to be as tough to break down against even better-quality opponents.

Derby County submit an offer to sign 21 y/o gem with "magic in his feet"

He has interest from numerous Championship clubs.

By
Tom Coates

Jul 17, 2024