Man City hijack Arsenal’s Jeremy Monga transfer for £12.5m package

Manchester City have hijacked Arsenal’s move for Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga, agreeing a deal to sign the 16-year-old sensation. The Gunners had believed themselves to be in pole position to land the teenager, only for City to swoop late and win the race.

Arsenal had been in talks over a move for Monga, and Standard Sport reported last month that the north London club were confident of getting a deal over the line. However, City entered the picture this week, convinced the player to join the Etihad Stadium outfit and swiftly struck an agreement with Leicester.

According to The Athletic, Monga will move for a package worth £12.5 million, made up of a £10 million up-front fee plus £2.5 million in add-ons. Leicester have also secured a sell-on clause as part of the deal.

Maresca’s role in the transfer

New Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca, who managed Monga during his own time at Leicester in the 2023/24 season, is understood to have played a key part in persuading the youngster to choose City. Maresca is said to have sold Monga on a long-term project at the club.

Monga signed scholarship terms with Leicester last summer on a one-year deal that runs until he turns 17 on 10 July. That contract meant any transfer required a fee to be agreed between the two clubs, which has now been completed.

Where next for the teenage prodigy?

It remains unclear whether Monga will be integrated into Maresca’s first-team squad, join City’s development side, or be sent out on loan for the 2026/27 campaign. He will be hoping to impress the Italian coach during pre-season to boost his chances of first-team involvement.

Monga is the third-youngest player in Premier League history, having made his top-flight debut at just 15 years and 271 days old. Only Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri have appeared in the competition at a younger age.

He has also been a regular for England at various youth levels and holds the record as the youngest senior goalscorer in Leicester City’s history, underlining why so many top clubs were keen to secure his signature.

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