Manchester City agree deal for Leicester’s Jeremy Monga
Manchester City have struck an early blow in the summer transfer window by agreeing a £12.5m deal to sign teenage sensation Jeremy Monga from Leicester City.
The 17-year-old winger was heavily linked with Arsenal and Brentford, but City moved quickly to gazump their rivals. The deal is not yet completed, but BBC Sport confirmed that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs.
Who is Jeremy Monga?
Monga is a versatile winger who primarily plays on the left flank but is comfortable on either side. He became Leicester’s youngest-ever starter at just 16 years and 34 days old during a Carabao Cup tie against Huddersfield last August.
The England youth international made 37 appearances for the Foxes in total, including seven Premier League outings as a substitute. He currently holds the record as the third-youngest player to feature in the Premier League, behind Arsenal pair Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.
Monga’s Premier League debut came under Ruud van Nistelrooy against Newcastle in April 2025, when he came off the bench for the final 16 minutes of a 3-0 defeat.
Why Manchester City?
City’s interest in Monga has been long-standing, but the move accelerated under new manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian previously worked with the teenager during his time in charge of Leicester and clearly sees huge potential in his development.
Monga is expected to join City’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Seoul, where he will link up with other young signings including Vitor Reis, Sverre Nypan and Divine Mukasa.
While City’s forward line is stacked with established internationals, those who have worked closely with Monga believe he has the talent to break through at the highest level.
What makes Monga special?
Callum Powell of CP Coaching Academy worked with Monga from the age of 11 during his time at Coventry City. He describes the teenager as someone with rare technical ability.
“His ability to manipulate the ball and his dribbling ability are his main traits,” Powell told BBC Sport. “The way he shifts while at high speed is quite a rare trait to possess.”
Powell also drew comparisons with England striker Ivan Toney in terms of mentality. “He is not fazed, he doesn’t feel the pressure. In fact, he is motivated by the pressure. That is the biggest thing.”
What does this mean for Arsenal?
Arsenal were believed to be leading the race for Monga’s signature and were close to completing a deal. The Gunners will be bitterly disappointed to have been beaten to the punch by their title rivals.
It adds another layer to the growing rivalry between the two clubs, who have been battling for supremacy both on and off the pitch in recent seasons.
What to watch
Monga’s development at City will be one to monitor closely. At 17, he has plenty of time to grow and adapt to life at a top club. If Maresca can integrate him into the first-team setup gradually, City could have a future star on their hands.
The £12.5m fee is substantial for a teenager but not unprecedented. Tottenham paid £30m for Archie Gray from Leeds in 2024, while Arsenal themselves spent up to £12.5m on Theo Walcott from Southampton back in 2006 when he was just 16.
