Arsenal linked with starlet defender as Mikel Arteta advised to keep fringe player

The summer transfer window is still several months away - however, clubs in the Premier League, including Arsenal, are already laying the groundwork ahead of yet another high-spending summer.

The Gunners have been linked with a 15-year-old defender who currently plays for a club in the Scottish Premiership - meanwhile, they have also been urged to keep one of their homegrown players, despite his spotty injury record.

Arsenal linked with Aberdeen's Lewis Carrol

Arsenal are interested in a move for 15-year-old Aberdeen youth product Lewis Carrol, according to a report from The Athletic. A centre-back by trade, Carrol could be first-team player for the Gunners when he reaches his full potential.

They aren't the only ones in contention, though. Chelsea have also been linked with Carrol - given their vast swathes of financial resources, as well as Todd Boehly's propensity for signing teenage talents, the Blues could prove to be a formidable adversary in the race to acquire his signature.

Mikel Arteta advised to keep Emile Smith Rowe

Former England and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has advised Mikel Arteta to keep Emile Smith Rowe at the Emirates Stadium, believing him to be a 'quality player' and that he would be 'very shocked' if he was allowed to depart the club.

Speaking to Football Insider [via TEAMtalk], Robinson said: "[Smith Rowe has] certainly got the ability to break back into the side. He’s been really unlucky with his injuries and he’s been in and out this season. He’s a quality player and a proven player in the Premier League. We know what he’s capable of at that level.

"They’ll need a big squad and you can’t let players like Emile Smith Rowe leave the club because he’s outstanding. He can start games and, at times, when he’s on a good run of form, you’d pick him above other players. I’d be very shocked if Mikel Arteta would be willing to let him go and willing to strengthen a near-rival like Newcastle or Aston Villa."