City enter race for Leicester teenager Jeremy Monga
Manchester City have made enquiries about Leicester City forward Jeremy Monga, complicating what looked like a straightforward move to Arsenal for the 16-year-old.
According to the BBC, City have been in touch over a potential deal for the teenager in recent days. Arsenal remain the most advanced club in their interest, but the Blues are long-term admirers and are now exploring whether they can beat the Gunners to his signature.
Monga has played senior football at a very young age and is rated as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in the country. talkSPORT has reported that Arsenal had been close to a deal worth around £10m, but City’s late involvement could change things.
Arsenal still lead the chase for the young winger. Mikel Arteta’s side have built a strong reputation for developing young talent, and Monga would fit their long-term recruitment strategy. The Gunners are not only signing established stars this summer; they are also trying to secure elite youngsters before their value explodes.
Monga is quick, direct and confident in attacking areas. He is still raw, but that is normal for a player his age. Arsenal clearly believe he has the tools to become a serious first-team option in the future.
City, though, are dangerous rivals in this kind of deal. They have the resources, academy structure and long-term planning to tempt young players, especially now that the squad is being reshaped under Enzo Maresca.
At 16, Monga would not be expected to immediately transform the first team. This is a signing for the future. But those are exactly the deals top clubs need to get right.
City’s arrival makes things more difficult for Arsenal, but they still appear to have done more groundwork. The smart move now for Arteta is to finish the deal quickly, convince the player there is a clear pathway, and avoid giving City time to hijack it.