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.

@DailyCannon the Erik Tobias Sandberg deal is a hoax. guy who "broke" the news on twitter has vanished, and used Varg Vikernes as his avi
— (((Mani))) (@APAutomatic) July 20, 2016

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Arsenal have not signed Erik Tobias Sandberg from Lillestrøm. The Norwegian club told me Twitter reports are a hoax. pic.twitter.com/hfhgOd1FXu
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) July 19, 2016

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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!

Arsenal don’t agree deal for Erik Tobias Sandberg

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