Charlton to open bidding for Arsenal, Chelsea & Man Utd target Gomez

Championship side, Charlton Athletic are preparing to listen to offers that are being made for their highly-rated defender Joe Gomez, who is wanted by the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City, reports the Daily Mail.

The 17-year-old, who can play at right-back or centre-half, is likely to be part of a transfer saga in the summer after showing signs that he would like to leave the Valley after an impressive campaign for the Addicks.

At this point in time, the Mail report that Man City are favourites to sign the teenager as they are desperate to bolster their homegrown talent pool.

However, they will have to fork out £8 million for the England youth star, with the price tag being sanctioned by Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet, as per the newspaper.

Gomez has emerged as one of the best young players in the Championship this season, winning 52% of his duels and creating six chances. He has also won the second highest amount of aerial duels for a teenager in the division with 42.

The Mail report the youngster had initially expressed his reluctance to move away from the South London club in the fear that he would be nothing but a reserve player at a bigger club but he might have had his head turned if a loan back to Charlton can be agreed upon, should he leave.

Man United have also been linked with another English defender in Nathaniel Clyne, according to ESPN.