Luke Freeman

January 2007 signing Luke Freeman arrived with a massive reputation having become the youngest player to ever feature in the FA Cup – coming on for Gillingham against Barnet aged just 15 years and 233 days.

Months later he became Arsenal’s sole acquisition of the January transfer window and even had manager Arsène Wenger waxing lyrical about securing his services. But life wasn’t always so easy for Freeman who was actually released by then Premier League side Charlton aged 11.

His next move saw him link up with Gillingham Town, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Luke’s goalscoring for the Gills Under 16’s and Under 18’s saw a whole host of clubs clamber for his signature. A series of trials followed, and after consulting his parents, he rebuffed bids from West Ham and Newcastle to remain in London, and join the Gunners.

A fee of around £100,000 changed hands for the prospect who made his debut against TP Mazembe in a friendly, before a league debut against Ipswich Town days later. His first goals did not take long in coming, a stunning left footed volley and neat header against Southampton got him on his way. Another strike against Cardiff as he firmly established himself in the side.

The International scene soon pulled Luke in. A goal on his debut helped England’s Under 16’s win the Montaigu Tournament before playing his part in the Lions 3rd place finish during the Nordic Cup. He’s since gone on to play for the Under 17’s at the European Championships in Germany.

He completed his debut campaign with mixed results. First he was dropped from the Under 18’s for the crucial play off clash against Aston Villa, but more than made up for it during the Atalanta Cup. Freeman finished top scorer with four goals and bagged a penalty during the shootout in the final.

Last season he really showed his quality and emerged as a real prospect for the future. Although he didn’t add to the Reserve appearances he earned in his first term with the club, he was almost a regular in the Under 18’s and finished the year with 11 goals.

The diminutive, rugged forward can operate in numerous positions from left wing to out and out poacher, and on the 8th of April 2009, his achievements were rewarded with a two year professional contract.

Name: Luke Freeman
Nickname: ‘Owen’
Age: 17
Nationality: English
International: Yes (Under 16)
Position: Striker/Left Wing
Height: 176cm
Previous Clubs: Charlton, Gillingham
Contract : Professional