Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has accepted Arsenal's bid for Freeman

The 15-year-old has attracted interest from several clubs but has joined the Gunners after a fee - reported to be around £200,000 - was agreed.

Freeman, who turns 16 in March, has signed a two-year deal to become part of Arsenal's youth set-up on their schoolboy/scholar scheme.

He became the youngest player ever to feature in the FA Cup in November.

West Ham and Newcastle were among the other clubs to have targeted him.

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally said: "It is a shame for Gillingham to lose a special talent such as Luke but we cannot stand in the way of such a fantastic opportunity.

"Arsenal have gone about their business in a fair and commendable way so it was a pleasure to do the deal with them.