Arsenal are chasing 17-year-old wonderkid Ryan Gauld (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have been warned off trying to sign Dundee United sensation Ryan Gauld – who has been dubbed the Scottish Lionel Messi.

Gauld has become subject of increased interest in recent weeks, after breaking through into the Dundee side this season.

The 17-year-old has been watched by scouts from Manchester United and even Real Madrid, while Arsenal are believed to be readying an offer.

But despite the Gunners planning to put hard cash down on the table, SFA performance director Mark Wotte says it would ‘ridiculous’ for the player to move to the Emirates Stadium.


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Arsene Wenger is believed to be keen on the Scottish teenager (Picture: Getty)

‘I would prefer him to stay in Scotland, play his games here, before getting a recognised move to an English club,’ said Wotte.

‘I’ve seen some of the clubs he’s been linked with – it’s ridiculous.

‘He doesn’t have to leave Scotland to develop. That’s the most important statement I want to make. He doesn’t have to move.’

It’s not yet clear whether Gauld will actually have the decision to stay in Scotland, with reports suggesting that Dundee are keen to sell to raise cash.

Gauld is believed to be worth up to £6million, even though the attacking midfielder has only been a professional footballer for a few months.

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