Charlton Athletic youngster Ademola Lookman will not be sold in the January transfer window, according to caretaker manager Karel Fraeye.
The 18-year-old starlet has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea, the report claims, but the Premier League giants have been warned off by the Addicks’ interim boss.
Lookman signed for Charlton last year. At that stage he was still playing Sunday league football for south London youth team Waterloo.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly sent scouts to run the rule over the young midfielder, who broke into the first-team in November and scored his first goal for Charlton earlier this week.
Fraeye says the January transfer window will be too soon for Lookman to leave the Valley, having only just had his first taste of senior football.
He thinks the teenager will see the benefits of continuing his development with Charlton – and points out that he still has two-and-a-half years to run on his contract.
Fraeye told the News Shopper: “Ademola is on a two-and-a-half year deal already.
“We are doing what we have to do. I think we are very close to where we want to be.”
Asked if Lookman could be on his way to one of his Premier League suitors, he added: “No, Ademola has just started first-team football. He’s started very well but he’s got so many steps to take. I’m sure he won’t be sold in January and will be here in the long-term.
“He’s a smart boy and I think Charlton is a good club for him. If he is looking for a club to develop at, he’s at the best club for him and he knows that.”
