Arsenal winger bid rejected but deal expected

Arsenal’s first bid for Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga has been rejected, but the expectation is that the two clubs will ultimately reach an agreement.

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

Sam Wallace reports for The Telegraph that Arsenal‘s initial bid to sign Jeremy Monga from Leicester City has been rejected, with the Gunners placing the offer on Thursday.

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

As a result, it’s expected that the two clubs will eventually reach an agreement on a fee. But they haven’t reached that agreement just yet.

Jeremy Monga of Leicester City inspects the pitch prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on February 21, 2026 in Stoke on Trent — Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images

Wallace adds that Monga may still need a loan to get him ready to compete for first-team football at Arsenal. The plan is reportedly for the winger to do a full pre-season with Arsenal, and then for Mikel Arteta and the club to make a decision.

Fabrizio Romano had broken the news of Arsenal’s first bid for Monga on Thursday, reporting that the deal is now moving quickly, with optimism that they can get it done.

The journalist reiterated his previous reports that Arsenal view Monga and Christos Tzolis as market opportunities and extra options, with Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa remaining the club’s primary target on the wingers. At 16 years old, Monga is one for the long term.

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

Arsenal’s first bid being rejected is obviously a setback, but hopefully the deal will still go through in the end.

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 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) — Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

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