Arsenal don’t agree deal for Erik Tobias Sandberg

Jul 20, 2016

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

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

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!