Report: Arsenal want to snap up prodigy who’s a ‘natural goalscorer’ with ‘extreme speed’

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A young striker being sought after by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has been praised by his club’s scout.

According to Hammarby sporting director Jesper Jansson, the Gunners have expressed an interest in Emil Roback.

The 16-year-old forward, a Sweden Under-17 international, is also believed to be on the radar of Bayern Munich.

Janson admits that Hammarby have a battle on their hands to hold onto the highly-rated gem.

“We were contacted and know about the interest,” he told Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt, as quoted by Football London. “He has also met Arsenal. There’s a strong interest and there are more clubs as well.

“He’s also been to Arsenal. Yes, I understand the interest. He is a forward with a great physique and speed and already a skilled goalscorer.”

Asked if Hammarby have been contacted directly, he said: “Yes, we have.”

Club scout Mikael Hjelmberg added: “Emil is a forward with very good physique. He has an extreme speed, and is a natural scorer.”

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Arsenal have long been known as a side which unearths and develops gems, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie having burst onto the scene after joining the Gunners.

More recently, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah have broken into the first team, so it would make sense for Roback to join the Emirates Stadium side.

Admittedly, it may be a little while before he gets consistent first team action, with stints in the Under-18s, Under-23s and perhaps an EFL loan on the cards first, but Arsenal is one of the best places he could learn the ropes.