Manchester City have secured the signing of teenager Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, striking an early blow to rivals Arsenal in the transfer market. The winger, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Friday, has committed to a five-year deal with City. The transfer fee for the England youth international is understood to be £10m, with additional add-ons included in the agreement.
Monga expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating that becoming part of the club is a dream come true for any young footballer. He highlighted Manchester City’s status as the best club in England over the past decade. The player also pointed to opportunities handed to academy talents like Phil Foden and Nico O’Reilly, indicating a clear pathway for progression at his new club.
Monga’s Rise at King Power Stadium
Jeremy Monga first made a significant impact at Leicester City by becoming the club’s youngest starter. This achievement came when he was just 16 years and 34 days old. His debut as a starter occurred last August, featuring in the Carabao Cup first round.
That particular match saw Leicester City face Huddersfield, resulting in a defeat on penalties for the Foxes. Monga primarily operates from the left wing but also possesses the ability to play from the opposite flank. He is described as being equally adept with both feet, showcasing his versatility on the pitch.
During his tenure with the Foxes, Monga accumulated a total of 37 appearances. Seven of these appearances were made as a substitute in the Premier League. His top-flight debut was handed to him by former Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
This Premier League introduction occurred against Newcastle in April 2025. Monga played the final 16 minutes in that fixture, which ended in a 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park. He currently holds the distinction of being the third-youngest player to feature in the Premier League.
Monga had initially agreed to a one-year scholarship contract at King Power Stadium. This agreement converted into a professional contract on his 17th birthday. This meant that any interested clubs would be required to pay a transfer fee for the talented teenager.
A Competitive Transfer Battle
The acquisition of Monga signals a victory for Enzo Maresca’s side in the ongoing tussle for the country’s best young players. Premier League champions Arsenal had reportedly been leading the race to sign Monga and were in a strong position. However, Manchester City’s interest became apparent last week, and the Gunners have now been gazumped at the finish line by their rivals.
Brentford were also mentioned as being in the frame for Monga’s signature. Ultimately, Manchester City clinched the deal with the Foxes, who now lose one of their star players following their relegation to League One. New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca had previously worked with the teenager during his season in charge of Leicester, a factor that may have accelerated the move.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expected to be disappointed by this outcome. A deal to sign Monga was reportedly close to completion for his side. The fee paid for Monga, at £10m plus add-ons, represents a substantial amount for a 17-year-old. While a £12.5m fee for a 17-year-old, as seen in other transfers, is considerable, it is not unprecedented in the modern game.
For context, Tottenham spent £30m to sign 18-year-old Archie Gray from Leeds in 2024. Furthermore, Manchester United paid £27m to acquire 18-year-old Luke Shaw from Southampton 12 years ago. Arsenal themselves shelled out up to £12.5m on 16-year-old Theo Walcott from Southampton back in 2006, highlighting the market for promising young talent.
Manchester City are understood to have held a long-standing interest in Monga. The move, however, significantly accelerated under new manager Maresca, who oversaw the player’s development during his spell with Leicester. As a result, Leicester City must now contend with the loss of one of their promising talents as they prepare for life in League One, while Monga looks forward to his future with the Premier League giants.