Zambian wunderkind on the verge of Man City, Arsenal leave the race
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 03.07.26. | 11:45
Leicester City's Jeremy Monga, 16, the third-youngest Premier League player ever, is close to agreeing on a deal with the Cityzens
Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga, 16, after beating off competition from Arsenal for the highly rated teenager.
The Premier League runners-up are in advanced talks with Leicester over a deal worth around £10 million, with negotiations between the clubs progressing well after Arsenal pulled out of the race, believing the Championship club's asking price was too steep.
Jeremy Monga Vs Preston North End (A) 16/08/2025
— 🇵🇸🔗 (@Sir_Gunners) July 2, 2026
Berta thinks £10M is too much for him 🥀😂 pic.twitter.com/wwOUXwu15u
A key figure behind City's pursuit is new head coach Enzo Maresca, who worked closely with Monga during his spell in charge of Leicester and is understood to be a strong admirer of the 16-year-old winger of Zambian descent.
Despite his age, Monga has already established himself as one of England's most exciting young prospects. He made his Premier League debut in April 2025 at just 15 years and 271 days old, becoming the third-youngest player ever to feature in the competition, behind only Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.
After making seven substitute appearances during the Foxes' relegation from the Premier League, Monga featured 30 more times last season, although Leicester endured another miserable campaign that ended with a second consecutive relegation, dropping into League One.
His rapid rise has attracted attention from Europe's biggest clubs. Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and even Real Madrid have all monitored his development over the past year, but City now appear set to win the race for his signature.
Leicester secured Monga on a scholarship agreement last year, ensuring any interested club would have to negotiate a transfer fee rather than pay only a minimal compensation package before he signs his first professional contract upon turning 17.
The potential departure continues a worrying trend for Leicester, who have seen several of their brightest academy graduates leave in recent years, including Trey Nyoni, who joined Liverpool, and Tyrese Noubissie, who moved to Manchester City.
For City, meanwhile, landing Monga would represent another investment in one of the country's most gifted young talents, and another player Enzo Maresca believes has the potential to develop into a first-team star.