Arsenal have agreed a fee with Leicester City to sign Jeremy Monga ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea, according to reports. The 16-year-old winger has been one of the most sought-after young talents in English football following Leicester's back-to-back relegations.
Monga's rise to prominence
Monga made seven Premier League appearances during the 2024-25 season as Leicester were relegated to the Championship, becoming the second-youngest player in Premier League history behind Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri. He then set more records last season, becoming the youngest player to start a match for Leicester and the youngest goalscorer in Championship history. Despite his 30 appearances across the campaign, Leicester suffered another relegation, dropping to League One after a points deduction for breaching PSR rules.
Arsenal lead the race
Leicester wanted Monga to sign his first professional contract, but accept he will leave after their drop to League One. A number of Premier League giants contacted Leicester, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea. However, it is new champions Arsenal who have agreed a £10m fee with Leicester, according to talkSPORT. Monga has reportedly given the green light to a summer move to the Emirates Stadium despite interest from several other clubs.
Van Nistelrooy's praise
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, who managed Monga at Leicester, described the teenager as a 'fantastic talent'. 'You could see glimpses of his great qualities, he's a great winger and has speed,' van Nistelrooy said. 'He's a fantastic talent – a great boy, he deserved these minutes and hopefully, more to come.'
Arsenal's summer plans
Arsenal are keen to bolster Mikel Arteta's title-winning squad. While more high-profile and expensive signings will be secured, Monga's transfer is seen as a shrewd coup. Arsenal chief Josh Kroenke insisted he was determined to back Arteta in the summer transfer window after the Gunners ended their long wait for a Premier League title. The north London outfit are also interested in signing England World Cup star Morgan Rogers and are long-term admirers of Argentina's Julian Alvarez.
