Arsenal are close to snapping up Gillingham striker Luke Freeman in a deal reported on the previous site first. the 15 year old striker has agreed terms on a Scholarship/Professional deal, and now Arsenal are just sorting out the deal with his club.
The Gills are thought to be holding out for a large chunk of any sell on fee, as well as a pre season friendly with the Gunners to claim extra revenue. It is expected the transfer will go though early next week for a fee of around £100,000.
Arsene Wenger spoke on Luke to Arsenal’s official website yesterday saying:
“We will be pushing the Freeman deal through, I want to buy English! We will pay them a transfer fee.
“We want them as young as possible, and, if you are not on the case somebody else is on it. It’s because it’s a competitive world, you do not really choose the age you buy the players.
“When a good player comes out you know you are not on your own, you’re competing with four or five clubs, and if you don’t do it, somebody else does it – so, even if ideally you would wait one or two more years, you can’t anymore.
“I like Freeman, I met the boy, his personality, he looks alert. He’s a striker and at 15 to play for the first team sometimes is something special.”
Freeman came to Arsenal last week and spent a day being shown around Arsenal’s stadium and training ground, he also did the same with other clubs who were keen to sign him, Manchester City, and West Ham. Gillingham manager Mark Stimson told Skysports West Ham had bid £4000 for him, but they had rejected it, and were resigned to losing Luke, with Arsenal leading the race.