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

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

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

He told the club's official website: "As we speak, Arsenal are the front-runners for Luke Freeman and they are talking to the chairman.

"We are trying to negotiate a deal, but that could take a day, a week or a month.

"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."