LUKE FREEMAN’S departure to Arsenal has been confirmed by Gillingham manager Mark Stimson.

The 15-year-old was plucked from nowhere by the Gills boss and he’s already beginning to reap the rewards of his star find.

Gillingham have yet to confirm details of the deal but a figure of around £200,000 was expected to change hands and Stimson has already been making use of the profits.

Stimson said: “We gave him an opportunity but unfortunately when you give someone an opportunity they can get taken away from you and that’s what has happened with Luke.

“He’s gone to probably one of the best clubs in the world to learn his trade and you never know, in years to come, he might come back to Gillingham and show what he can do for them.

“If I wasn’t here, would Luke Freeman have played for Gillingham this year? Possibly not, but he has, he’s gone on and the club have gained financially from it. That money we’re using now to buy these players.

“If that wasn’t available then I don’t think we could have brought these new players into the club.

“I know the situation with the finances at the club and can you generate your own money? I think I’ve done that. Hopefully there’s still a bit left so we’ll try and go for a striker.”