Arsenal would give Jeremy Monga opportunities to train regularly with the first team if he signs from Leicester City, though it’s unlikely he’d feature on the pitch immediately.
James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that if Arsenal sign 16-year-old Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, it’s unlikely the youngster would feature frequently for the Gunners’ first team in the short term.
But McNicholas adds that Monga would be given the opportunity to train regularly with Mikel Arteta’s first team, allowing the manager to assess him.
In that scenario, it’s not impossible Monga could end up making senior appearances, as we’ve seen with the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman in recent seasons.
Of course, Arsenal first need to complete the signing, amid competition from fellow Premier League side Brentford FC.
Paul Joyce and Gary Jacob reported for The Times in recent days that whilst Monga is a priority target for Arsenal, Brentford have stepped up their interest and hope to lure the winger away with the promise of guaranteed playing time.
Brentford are now expected to make formal contact with Leicester over the winger, though Arsenal are reportedly able to pay the bigger fee.
Previous reports had suggested that Monga had already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, and given his preference to the Gunners over multiple other clubs including Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen.
Those claims suggested Arsenal could potentially look to loan Monga out after getting him settled in north London.
Monga made 10 starts for Leicester in all competitions this season, 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 Dowman on a couple of occasions.
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