Cash-strapped Derby still owe Arsenal seven-figure sum for Krystian Bielik

Things continue to go from bad to worse

Derby County reportedly owe Arsenal an outstanding fee for the signing of Krystian Bielik in 2019. According to the Telegraph Sport, the Gunners are one of the Rams main creditors following the deal made by the two clubs for the purchase of the defensive midfielder. The Poland player signed for the Rams in August 2019 for a club-record fee reported to be worth up to £10million. However, it is believed that the club - who were managed by Philip Cocu at the time - still owe Arsenal £8million for Bielik. This is because the two sides apparently agreed for Derby to pay a small chunk of the transfer fee upfront, with the remaining cost to be paid in structured instalments. However, the Telegraph are now reporting that just £2million of the fee has been paid so far. https://twitter.com/TheFLZone/status/1443995491440676870 It is thought that any individual or group interesting in buying Derby will have to take responsibility for its liabilities, which is believed to be in the region of ‘tens of millions of pounds'. Bielik, who has two senior international caps, is currently recovering from a knee injury - his second knee problem since arriving at Pride Park two years ago. Whilst it signals another complication for the Rams, it is reported that the Gunners have been told that they are going to receive the transfer fees owed to them after Derby's administrators included the figure in financial negotiations with potential buyers. As well as owing money to the North London side, Derby - who went into administration in September - are thought to owe money to Polish side Lech Poznan for the £4million purchase of winger Kamil Jozwiak last year. Additionally, the Championship side owe £26million to HM Revenues and Customs, with it also reported that the club’s administrators Quantuma have distributed marketing materials to groups and individuals interested in buying the club. Despite administrators hoping to receive some-term funding next week, it is believed that the Rams had to sack twenty staff members this week. Related links:

• Wayne Rooney has sympathy with Derby staff with administration imminent
• Richard Keogh awarded £2.3 million in breach of contract case against Derby County
• Derby County facing point deduction after filing for administration