Manchester City have emerged as frontrunners to sign Jeremy Monga after Arsenal pulled out of negotiations for the Leicester City winger, according to reports. The 16-year-old is expected to leave Leicester following their relegation from the Championship, with several Premier League and European clubs interested.
Arsenal step back over £10m valuation
Arsenal had held direct talks with Leicester and appeared to be in pole position, but The Athletic reports that the Gunners have withdrawn because they consider Leicester's £10 million asking price too high. talkSPORT adds that Arsenal's latest offer was only £6.5m, short of the Foxes' demands.
Monga agreed a professional contract with Leicester last year, which starts when he turns 17 on July 10. That deal allows Leicester to command a transfer fee for the winger. Chelsea and Manchester United have also registered interest, but City are now in active negotiations.
City move in after Arsenal exit
Manchester City, last season's Premier League runners-up, have taken advantage of Arsenal's withdrawal and are now in talks with Leicester over a deal. The Athletic reports that City are leading the race for Monga.
Monga made his Premier League debut at just 15 years, eight months and 28 days old, becoming the third-youngest player in Premier League history behind Arsenal duo Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman. Last August, he became the youngest goalscorer in Championship history with a strike in Leicester's defeat to Preston.
