Manchester City have emerged as the biggest threat to Arsenal in the race for Charlton’s highly-rated defender Joe Gomez.

The England Under-19 defender, valued at £8m by the Championship team, is one of the most wanted young players in the country after his breakthrough season at The Valley.

City, beaten 3-1 by Chelsea in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup final on Monday evening, are determined to sign more young English players.

Joe Gomez has played at right back for Charlton this season and is wanted by Manchester City and Arsenal

Gomez has emerged as a key talent in the England junior set up, but his rapid progress at first team level with Charlton has alerted City.

He has been earmarked to play centre half in the future, but he initially broke into the Charlton side at right back.

Gomez, 17, signed a three year contract at Charlton in November last year, but the Addicks face a battle to hold on to their rising star in the summer.

Manchester City lost to Chelsea in an FA Youth Cup final first leg and are looking for young English players



