ARSENAL are leading the chase for Gillingham's teenage striker Luke Freeman.

The Gunners are in talks with chairman Paul Scally as the Gills try and get the best deal possible for the 15-year-old.

Also in the hunt for Freeman, who became Gillingham's youngest ever player this season, were West Ham and Newcastle but it now looks likely he will be heading for the Emirates Stadium.

Manager Mark Stimson said: "Arsenal are the front runners. The chairman is trying to negotiate a deal but that could take a day, a week or a month because we realise now we're going to lose him.

"I'm sad that's going to happen because he's a special talent. What we'll say to him is, if it doesn't work out, don't forget about us because we put you on the map."

Stimson knows the Gills were always likely to lose the youngster once the big teams took interest but admits their club could easily do the same.

He said: "Sometimes when you do put someone in so young, in the back of your mind you want him to do well, but not too well in case other teams come in for him and that's what's happened.

"But I'm sure if we see a young player three or four divisions below us we'll be doing the same thing. It wouldn't be right to stand in the boy's way if the deal is right for Gillingham."