Arsenal are reportedly among a host of major European clubs keeping close tabs on Sweden U17 international striker Emil Roback.
The 16-year-old striker has already been given a tour of Arsenal’s London Colney training base as the club look to beat Bayern Munich to the Hammarby youngster’s signature.
Hammarby’s Sporting Director Jesper Jansson has confirmed interest in the youngster, saying via Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt.
"We were contacted and know about the interest. He has also met Arsenal. There’s a strong interest and there are more clubs as well."
According to Jansson, Roback’s physical attributes and proficiency in front of goal seems well-suited to Arsenal’s style of football, as well as that of the Premier League more generally.
He added: "I understand the interest, he is a forward with a great physique, speed and is already a skilled goalscorer."
Jansson’s comments were echoed by Hammarby’s chief scout Mikael Hjelmberg, who said: “He has an extreme speed and is already a natural goalscorer.”
Although Roback is yet to make a senior appearance for Hammarby, he is a regular for Sweden U17s and has scored five goals in ten games for his country.
While Arsenal will have no plans to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang anytime soon, the club will be looking to sign young players who can grow into his position in a few years time.
Arsene Wenger famously missed out on Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the turn of the century with the then Malmo striker instead opting to join Ajax and Arsenal will be eager to avoid a repeat performance with Roback.
Arsenal have a strong connection to Sweden during the Premier League era with Anders Limpar and former caretaker coach Freddie Ljungberg both enjoying successful spells, while Stefan Schwarz, Sebastian Larsson and Kim Kallstrom also represented the club.
