Man City hijack Arsenal transfer as Enzo Maresca closes in on next signing

Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga despite previous interest from Arsenal.

Monga, who is the third-youngest player to feature in a Premier League match, is nearing a £12.5 million move from Leicester City to Manchester City, according to The Athletic, with Maresca personally identifying the 16-year-old as a target after working with him at the Foxes during the 2023/24 campaign.

In August 2025, Monga made history by becoming the youngest player ever to start a match for the East Midlands club when he played 60 minutes of a Carabao Cup tie against Huddersfield.

Three days later, he became the youngest-ever Championship goalscorer at 16 years and 37 days old when he scored in a 2-1 defeat away to Preston North End.

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Despite Leicester’s relegation to League One in the 2025/26 campaign, Monga was a bright spark, making 30 appearances, scoring once and providing two assists.

The 16-year-old’s performances at academy level had already begun attracting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, with Chelsea and Real Madrid among those interested in the England youth international.

Arsenal had engaged in discussions with Leicester over a potential transfer earlier in the window, with Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, and his counterpart, Jon Rudkin, holding talks. However, after an opening bid was rejected, Arsenal seemingly cooled their interest in the player, allowing City to swoop in.

Monga will not be able to sign a professional deal until his 17th birthday on July 10. The role Monga could play at City remains unclear, although it is unlikely he would be a regular starter given his age and level of experience.

Since Maresca was officially unveiled as City boss, the club have also signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £116 million.

Van Nistelrooy’s verdict on Monga

Former Leicester City head coach and Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy made his feelings clear on the teenager after handing him his Premier League debut against Newcastle in April 2025.

"You could see glimpses of his great qualities," Van Nistelrooy said. "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."