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Arsenal in direct fee talks to sign young winger

Arsenal are in direct contact with Leicester City as they work on a move to sign Jeremy Monga, with the player only interested in joining the Gunners.

Jeremy Monga of Leicester City is challenged by Issa Kabore of Wrexham during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Wrexham AFC at The King Power Stadium on September 30, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are in club-to-club talks with Leicester City over a deal to sign Jeremy Monga.

Ornstein adds that there’s no agreement yet, but direct negotiations are ongoing, with all sides treating the talks with respect given the player’s young age.

The 16-year-old had been targeted by multiple clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea, but Ornstein reports that he only wanted Arsenal.

As a result, the clubs are attempting to agree a fee that suits both sides, to avoid a tribunal.

Jeremy Monga of Leicester City looks on as he warms up prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Leicester City at Loftus Road on December 20, 2025
Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images

Elsewhere, Gary Jacob and Paul Joyce reports for The Times that Arsenal are confident of tying up a deal, and hopeful of reaching an agreement below Leicester’s £15m valuation.

Sam Wallace had recently reported for The Telegraph that Arsenal‘s initial bid to sign Monga had been rejected, with the Gunners placing the offer last Thursday.

Wallace wrote that Leicester would ultimately be forced to sell, given their relegation to League One and their need to remain complaint with EFL cost controls.

Jeremy Monga of Leicester City in action during the pre-season friendly match between Leicester City and ACF Fiorentina at The King Power Stadium on August 03, 2025 in Leicester, England.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Arsenal’s first bid being rejected was obviously a setback, but it doesn’t seem to have affected the expected eventual outcome. Monga still seems to be on the way to Arsenal, it’s just not done yet.

Monga made 10 starts for Leicester in all competitions in 2025/26, scoring one goal and assisting two more. He’s also an England u19 international, making 10 appearances for the side this season and playing alongside Max Dowman on a couple of occasions.

Jeremy Monga of Leicester City in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City at The Hawthorns on September 26, 2025 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images
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