Arsenal close on Freeman

Gunners favourites to sign Gills youngster

Last updated: 9th January 2008

Arsenal close on Freeman

Stimson: Resigned to losing Freeman

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Mark Stimson has confirmed Arsenal are the 'front-runners' to sign Gillingham starlet Luke Freeman.

The young striker has trained with the Gunners, and has also visited Premier League rivals Newcastle United and West Ham United.

The 15-year-old has already made his first-team debut for the Gills, but Stimson is resigned to losing Freeman in the coming weeks.

"As we speak, Arsenal are the front-runners for Luke Freeman and they are talking to the chairman," Stimson told the club's official website. "We are trying to negotiate a deal, but that could take a day, a week or a month.

Special talent

"We realise now that we are going to lose him. It is sad that is going to happen because he is a special talent.

"We have got to get the best deal for the club and when that is done, we'll let everyone know.

"It wouldn't be right to stand in the boy's way if the deal is right for Gillingham.

"The good thing about it is he realises that and so do his parents. They know he will only go to a Premier League club if the deal is right for our club and that is what we are trying to negotiate."