Arsenal Leads Race for Leicester Teen Jeremy Monga

Arsenal have stepped to the front of the queue for highly rated Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, with the teenager understood to favour a move to the Premier League champions over Chelsea and Manchester United.

The 16-year-old has been on the radar of all three clubs this summer, his progress at Leicester drawing attention from England’s elite. Interest has now hardened into action. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are pushing on with a deal after Monga indicated he would agree to the switch.

That preference could prove decisive. Chelsea and United have monitored the situation, but Arsenal’s status as reigning champions and their growing reputation for blooding young talent have given them a clear edge in talks.

For Leicester, it is an uncomfortable position. Fresh from relegation from the Championship, the Foxes are braced for the possibility of losing one of the brightest prospects in their system before he has even kicked a ball in senior football.

There is, however, one crucial safeguard. Monga has already agreed a professional contract with Leicester, due to start when he turns 17 on July 10. That agreement allows the club to command a transfer fee rather than see him walk away for minimal compensation.

The battle now is not about who wants him most. That part is clear. It is about who is prepared to meet Leicester’s demands for a winger many inside the game believe could soon be making his mark at the very top.