Manchester City have entered the race to sign Leicester City teenage winger Jeremy Monga, challenging Arsenal and Brentford for the 16-year-old talent.
The Premier League champions are attempting to disrupt a transfer that Arsenal believed was close to completion in late June.
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City's Late Push Led by Maresca
Newly appointed Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is driving the club's late interest, leveraging his relationship with Monga from his time coaching Leicester during the 2023-24 season.
According to BBC Sport, Arsenal had been the most advanced in negotiations, with direct club-to-club discussions already taking place.
However, City's intervention has changed the dynamic, with the club making enquiries in recent days.
Football insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed on social media platform X that Manchester City are hijacking Arsenal's deal for Monga, with negotiations underway.
Maresca is personally involved in presenting the club's project to the player, who is reportedly tempted by the offer.
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Monga, a Coventry-born England youth international, is currently under a scholarship contract at Leicester that will convert to a professional deal on July 10 when he turns 17.
Because of these terms, any acquiring club must negotiate a significant transfer fee, with Leicester demanding a minimum of £10 million to £15 million.
The winger made his Premier League debut at 15 years and 271 days against Newcastle United, becoming the third-youngest player in league history behind Arsenal's Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.
He became a regular for Leicester during the 2025-26 campaign, recording 37 total appearances and becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club's history with a goal against Preston North End.
Leicester's recent relegation to League One, following a six-point deduction for Profitability and Sustainability Rules breaches, has accelerated the departure of academy talents.
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The club has previously lost young prospects like Trey Nyoni to Liverpool and Tyrese Noubissie to Manchester City.
