Arsenal Transfer Rumour: Gunners to Make January Bid for New Liam Brady

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a January transfer window move for 17 year old Derby County midfielder Will Hughes.

The England U21 player has been compared, by Derby manager Nigel Clough, to Gunners legend Liam Brady and The Emirates Stadium club's chief scout, Steve Rowley, is reportedly a big admirer of the youngster who has also attracted attention from rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

Derby are under pressure to reduce their wage bill by selling players in the forthcoming transfer window and this could make the attempts of Arsenal, Liverpool and City to sign Hughes easier.

However with City involved, Arsene Wenger will know the £4m price tag on the player could very well increase.

Meanwhile, Hughes spoke to Derby's official website about his England U21 debut, calling it an 'amazing feeling.'

"To be called up to the England Under 21 squad was one thing, but to actually get out on the pitch was an amazing feeling and a real step up from the Under 17s. The last few days have been a brilliant experience for me and I've tried to make the most of every second and learn as much as possible," Hughes said.

"I've had a good few days away but I'm looking forward to getting back to Derby now and being amongst things at Moor Farm again ahead of Saturday's game at Crystal Palace. We were all disappointed to lose last weekend at Millwall so hopefully we can bounce back with a good result down there."

Derby are ninth in The Championship, with 23 points from 16 games. The Rams lost 2-1 to Milwall at The Den in their last game and will now travel to Selhurst Park to play leaders Crystal Palace on 17 November.

Arsenal, meanwhile, go into their north London derby against Tottenham on the back of a 3-3 draw against Fulham and a 1-2 defeat to Manchester United.