It’s not been much fun supporting Derby County in the past twelve months. After gaining promotion to the Premier League, the Rams were humiliated on several occasions, showing a remarkable ineptitude under Billy Davies and Paul Jewell. Many claim that the latter’s job is on the line following an ordinary start to their Championship campaign, although at least it appears as though Arsenal are giving him a helping hand.

County fans will remember Arturo Lupoli, who was on loan from the Gunners two seasons ago. Now the BBC report that they have acquired Nacer Barazite from the North London club on a month’s loan. The 18-year-old Dutchman could be just what the Championship outfit need right now.

The 18-year-old Dutch Under-19 international has made two senior appearances for the Gunners, both coming in the Carling Cup.

Barazite has featured in several pre-season games with Arsenal, scoring once in a 2-1 win over Barnet.

“He is an exciting prospect and a very good footballer,” boss Paul Jewell told the club’s website.

He continued: “I am quite keen to get a link-up with some top teams and I spoke to [Arsenal boss] Arsene Wenger over the summer about a few players.

“Nacer is young but has played in their first-team and he will come here to join up with our first-team squad.”

Loan signings are very much part and parcel of football in the lower leagues these days. Derby fans, are you encouraged by this sort of signing? It’s been a slow start to the Rams’ Championship campaign, with defeat against Donnie and a draw at Bristol City. Will their fortunes change against Southampton on Saturday?

Why not join the debate at the COS forum?

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