Arsenal see off interest from Manchester United to sign teen sensation Erik Tobias Sandberg

ARSENAL have seen off Manchester United to sign wonderkid Erik Tobias Sandberg.

The classy central defender is rated as one of the best prospects in Scandinavia and a host of Premier League clubs have been following his progress.

Gunners officials were impressed with Sandberg’s performance when he captained Norway Under-16s against England in February and have kept an eye on him since.

Manchester United were also known to be keen on the player but SunSport understands Arsenal have now moved in and agreed a deal with his club Lillestrom SK.

The 16-year-old has been offered a scholarship deal that will turn into a professional contract on his 17th birthday next year.

The deal for Sandberg is part of a big push from Arsenal to scour the world for exciting youngsters, having made several raids on European clubs last summer.

With the move very much with the future in mind, Arsene Wenger continues to add to his defensive cover and moved for England Under-21 centre-back Rob Holding yesterday.

But the Frenchman is yet to make his most serious moves in the transfer market – and is considering a move for Newcastle’s restless Moussa Sissoko, after the Toon man hinted at a move back to the top flight.