Derby County have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Krystian Bielik.

Bielik, who was reportedly being also pursued by Middlesbrough and Brentford, is Derby's fourth signing of the summer.

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Rams, subject to EFL approval, and joined for an undisclosed fee.

The Telegraph reported yesterday that the club were set to break their transfer record and pay £9.5 million for Bielik.

The Polish under-21 international impressed on loan with Charlton Athletic last season, making 34 appearances, finding the net four times, and helping the Addicks to secure promotion to the Championship.

He leaves Arsenal after making just two senior appearances in four-and-a-half years with the North London club.

Speaking to the club website, new Rams boss Phillip Cocu said he was “very happy” to announce the signing.

He added: “He is a young player at the age of 21 and it is a permanent deal which I think is a very good investment for the club. I am very happy he has joined the team.

“He will get better and develop, but for his age, he is a very good player.”

Derby begin their Championship season against Huddersfield Town on Monday night.

[ad_pod ]

The Verdict

This looks like an excellent addition from Cocu and one that could pay dividends for years to come.

Bielik can play as both a defender and a defensive midfielder but he looks an ideal replacement for centre-back Fikayo Tomori, who was such an important player while on loan with the Rams last season.

Richard Keogh and Curtis Davies are the only two centre-backs in the squad and as neither are getting any younger this signing should energise that backline.

For the 21-year-old, the chance for regular first-team football in the Championship should be an exciting prospect, while the opportunity to partner an experienced player like Keogh in central defence should be great for his development.