Arsenal in talks to sign Jeremy Monga as eight rivals miss out on Leicester winger

Arsenal are in talks to sign Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, 16, with the Gunners understood to have moved ahead of eight rival clubs in the race for one of English football’s most coveted teenage talents, according to a report from journalist Ben Jacobs.

Leicester sources confirmed that Manchester United, Manchester City, and several other top European sides had all enquired about Monga, but it is Arsenal — winners of the 2025/26 Premier League title — who have entered direct negotiations. New sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to be driving the move, which would represent his first completed transfer since taking charge.

Monga made history during the 2024/25 season when he became the second youngest player to appear in the Premier League, featuring for Leicester against Newcastle in April 2025 at the age of 15. He played 17 minutes in a 3-0 defeat, earning praise from then-manager Ruud van Nistelrooy for showing “glimpses of quality at such a young age.” He has since been overtaken in the record books by two Arsenal academy products, Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.

Following Leicester’s relegation to League One, Monga spent the 2025/26 season in the third tier, recording three goal involvements in just over 1,000 minutes. Despite the drop in level, his reputation as one of England’s brightest prospects has only grown, with the winger known for his directness, dribbling ability, and positional versatility. He has also featured alongside Dowman at England youth level.

Monga’s professional contract with Leicester is set to be activated on his 17th birthday on 10 July, but his future at the club appears all but settled. His departure is expected to cost in excess of £10 million — a figure that could set a new English third-division transfer record — with a tribunal potentially required to determine the final fee.

For Arsenal, the signing would continue a deliberate strategy of recruiting elite young English talent as the club looks to build on its first league title in 22 years.