Emil Roback has completed his move to AC Milan with Arsenal missing out on the Swedish wonder-kid, Hammarby have confirmed via their official website.
Two decades after a cocky young striker called Zlatan something or other threw an almighty strop after being asked to prove his worth during a trial at Arsenal, the Gunners have seen another Scandinavian starlet slip through their fingers.
Speaking to Fotboll Direkt back in March, Hammarby director Jesper Jansson claimed that Roback had travelled to England for talks over a move to the London giants.
“We were contacted and know about the interest. He has met Arsenal,” Jensson said.
“He has also visited Arsenal. Yes, I understand their interest. He is a forward with a great physique and speed and already a skilled goalscorer.”
Perhaps Arsenal took their foot of the gas, with an ongoing financial crisis restricting their ability to make additions to a squad that is crying out for reinforcements.
Perhaps they opted against offering Roback a contract at the Emirates, after all.
Or perhaps they were pipped to the post by a Milan side who have made it their mission to bring some of the most exciting young talent around to the San Siro.
Whatever the explanation, Arsenal’s loss is the Rossoneri’s gain.
“We are very proud. Several big clubs in Europe have wanted to get Emil. The negotiations with AC Milan have been a positive experience, and we have had a good dialogue throughout this process,” Jensson says.
Tuttomercatoweb report that Milan have paid just £1.3 million to get Roback on board after fighting off competition from not only Arsenal but Bayern Munich too.
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