Arsenal have apparently beaten Manchester United to the signature of Erik Tobias Sandberg.

According to the multiple outlets, Arsenal have agreed a deal with Lillestrom SK for the central defender who is known for his ability on the ball – except they haven’t.

It seems it is all a massive hoax!

511257682 erik tobias sandberg of norway during the gettyimages
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Erik Tobias Sandberg of Norway during the Norway v Italy U16s International Friendly at St Georges Park on February 18, 2016 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Just 16, the story is a good one and it’s not surprising that many outlets, ourselves included, were caught out by it.

We’re normally not so careless, and this has been a valuable lesson learned – no story is immune from being checked – even when it’s only about an unknown 16-year-old defender!