Arsenal Laser-Focused on Snapping Up 16-Year-Old Prodigy as Their Must-Have Summer Signing

Arsenal are said to be on the verge of securing Leicester City's 16-year-old prodigy Jeremy Monga as their first transfer acquisition as Premier League title holders.

The north London club are looking to bolster their championship-winning roster this summer, with attacking reinforcements being the primary objective. Despite a remarkably successful 2025–26 season that also included runs to the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals, Mikel Arteta is left with limited top-tier choices in the attacking positions.

Looking to address that shortcoming in the next transfer window, The Times reports that Leicester's gifted winger Monga is a "priority target."

Monga is the third-youngest player ever to appear in the Premier League, surpassed only by Arsenal pair Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman, and he is widely regarded as one of England's brightest future talents after already making his mark in Leicester's senior setup.

The Foxes have accepted the inevitable loss of their prized academy graduate following their surprising drop to League One, with a substantial transfer fee also helping to alleviate their mounting financial pressures.

Monga is due to sign his first professional contract with Leicester on July 10, when he reaches the age of 17, meaning the East Midlands club will be entitled to a fee for his departure—either through a direct club agreement or via tribunal. They are anticipated to demand in excess of $13.3 million (£10 million) to approve any deal.

Why Do Arsenal Want to Sign Jeremy Monga?

Leicester turned to Monga out of necessity during their calamitous 2024–25 campaign. A dreadful season left them starved of attacking creativity, with their collection of underperforming forwards unable to keep them from being relegated from the Premier League.

Monga not only made his debut at just 15 years and 271 days old, but he went on to feature in six additional Premier League fixtures, with his role continuing to grow in the Championship.

The youngster appeared poised to be Leicester's talisman in the second tier, netting a stunning goal in a loss at Preston North End before contributing a fine assist in a win over Birmingham City within the first four matches of the season.

A strong early-season run earned him a place in the starting lineup, but Monga, perhaps predictably, struggled to sustain that level within a side lacking in confidence. He managed just one further assist for the rest of the campaign as he accumulated 30 appearances across all competitions.

Jeremy Monga with a great take for the #LCFCU21s - and it's a GOTM candidate 🗳️

Nevertheless, his potential continues to shine brilliantly. Monga has already built a reputation for his electrifying pace and rapid footwork, enabling him to shift direction in a flash and fly past opposing fullbacks. Though predominantly used on the left wing, where he can cut inside and shoot with his favored right foot, he is equally capable on the other side.

Monga remains an unpolished talent who still requires development, but the youngster's potential ceiling is extraordinarily high. Arsenal are prepared to take that chance.

Monga's 2025–26 Championship Stats