Player Profile – Luke Freeman

Picture From Gillingham’s Official Website

This Afternoon Arsenal and Gillingham announced what we have known for a few days, Luke Freeman is now an Arsenal player, after the final bits of paperwork were signed sealed and finished.

So, whats Luke like? what sort of a person/player is he? you can read all about our new striker below..

Player Biography – Luke Freeman

Dartford born striker Luke Freeman joined Arsenal in January 2008 from League 1 side Gillingham, for a fee of around £200,000.

Things started of badly for Luke in football, first being released by Charlton Athletic for being too small aged 11, he had a short trial with Gillingham who took him on.

He has been working through the youth ranks and caught the attention of scouts making his F.A Cup debut against Barnet aged just 15 years and 233 days setting a new Cup record for the youngest player,

Arsenal, West Ham, Newcastle and Chelsea all were on his tail, watching him play for the Under 18s and Reserves, Luke, who can play as a poacher or a deep lying striker, can hold the ball up well and score spectacular goals, including a stunning 25 yard volley in front of scouts for Gills Under 18s, he runs the channels well and is very creative always looking to bring his team-mates into the action.

Arsenal, Newcastle and West Ham invited him on trial where he would spend a day with each club being shown around the Stadium and training facilities.

While at Arsenal he met members of the coaching staff who were impressed with his attitude and work rate, and a deal was reached which Young Guns first announced, and he was brought to the club making his debut against TP Mazembe in a 1-0 win.

Arsene Wenger told Arsenal’s Official Website

“He is a young striker who comes from Gillingham,” said the manager. “He is left-footed with a good eye for the goal. He is brave and has a good, positive personality.

“He is only 15-years-old of course so we need to be patient but he’s a very interesting prospect. He is another one for the future.”

Luke Told Gillinghams Official Website

“This is a great opportunity for me. I thank Gillingham for everything they did but I am now hoping to be a success with Arsenal. They play good attractive football and the manager has a good history of nurturing and developing young talent.”

Gillingham Chairman Paul Scally said:

“We reluctantly agreed to let Luke leave KRBS Priestfield because it would have been unfair to stand in the way of a player’s development. We have agreed an undisclosed fee for his services and that fee could be quite lucrative if he develops to the extent we believe is possible.”

Luke will finish the season playing with the impressive Under 18s as they battle for the title and could even feature for the Under 16s, i doubt unless the injuries continue he will be involved in Reserves team action as he is just 15.

Luke’s Wikipedia

Name: Luke Freeman
Age: 15
Nationality: English
Position: Striker
Previous Clubs: Charlton, Gillingham
Height: 174cm
Contract : Scholarship

Article By – J.Sanderson