England’s £15m rising star ‘tracked’ by Arsenal after Leicester relegation

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Arsenal have reportedly emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign Jeremy Monga, one of England’s most promising young talents, following Leicester City’s relegation to League One.

According to the Evening Standard, the Gunners are ‘leading the race’ to secure the 16-year-old winger’s signature, with talks already underway with Leicester regarding a potential summer transfer.

Monga burst onto the scene during the 2024-25 season, making his Premier League debut as a 15-year-old in a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle at the King Power Stadium. That 17-minute cameo made him the second youngest player to feature in the Premier League, behind only Arsenal’s own Ethan Nwaneri.

“You could see glimpses of his great qualities,” said former Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. “He’s a great winger and has speed. He’s a fantastic talent, a great boy. He deserved these minutes and hopefully, more to come.”

Impressive breakthrough campaign

The England youth international has since accumulated over 1,000 minutes of senior football across all competitions this season, scoring once and providing two assists in 30 appearances. Despite signing a professional contract with Leicester that takes effect when he turns 17 in July, the club’s relegation to League One has opened the door for a potential departure.

Mikel Arteta is reportedly a long-time admirer of the versatile winger, who primarily operates on the right flank but can also play on the left or as a number 10. Described as a natural trickster with pace and technical ability, Monga has drawn comparisons to both Arsenal youngster Max Dowman and Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.

Perfect fit for Arsenal’s youth strategy

The reported transfer fee is expected to fall between £10-15 million, though the deal could go to a tribunal if the two clubs cannot agree on a valuation. For Arsenal, Monga would represent another shrewd addition to their aggressive youth recruitment drive.

The north London side have already secured promising young talents including Jaden Dixon, Evan Mooney, and Ecuadorian twins Holger and Edwin Quintero over the past 12 months. Monga’s profile as a two-footed, technically gifted winger fits perfectly with the club’s long-term planning and development philosophy.

With Leicester facing life in League One, Monga’s desire for regular Premier League football could prove decisive in Arsenal’s pursuit. The teenager has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level despite his young age, making him an attractive proposition for a club committed to nurturing the next generation of English talent.