Arsenal may have to pay up to £15 million to Leicester City as they begin their pursuit of star winger Jeremy Monga.
The Gunners are looking to develop their youth ranks as Mikel Arteta’s side aim to consolidate their status as one of England’s leading clubs, having finally ended their 22-year wait to win the Premier League.
Monga Fee Revealed
Now, according to the Athletic as part of their Transfer DealSheet, Arsenal are ready to move to sign Jeremy Monga, who was a breakout star for Leicester City in a disastrous season for the Foxes which ended in relegation to League One.
Playing 37 times for the club last season, the 16-year-old primarily played a substitute role behind Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu, scoring a single goal and providing two assists when handed opportunities by Marti Cifuentes and Gary Rowett.
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The Foxes have already prepared to make Monga a full professional with a new contract for the England youth international, which would prompt Arsenal into action, with the report stating that the winger would command a fee in the region of £10 to £15 million.
It is part of a concerted effort in North London to scoop up some of the world’s brightest youth players, with Ecuadorian duo Edwin and Holger Quintero joining compatriot Piero Hincapie at the Emirates Stadium.
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Could Monga Be Brought Into Gunners First-Team Fold?
Jeremy Monga has not been afforded many opportunities at Leicester City, and while relegation and the likely sales of Abdul Fatawu, Stephy Mavididi and others could afford him a starring role in League One, he may find himself at Arsenal before long.
Considering the financial woes that have befallen the Foxes as of late, selling on a player for a massive eight-figure fee and perhaps some further favourable clauses would be brilliant business for the club and allow them to try and bounce back straight away.
While he has little senior game experience, the shake-up that Arsenal face next season could prove beneficial to the 16-year-old’s chances at regular game time.
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Gabriel Martinelli has perhaps fallen well below his previous standards and performances under Mikel Arteta, and with one year left on the Brazilian’s deal, a sale now may be the best path forward for the club.
Leandro Trossard also heads into the final 12 months of his contract with the club, meaning that decisions have to be made as to whether either is worthy of a new deal, or sanction a sale to recruit another star forward.
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Monga’s flexibility on either side of the wing offers an intriguing prospect, and could fill in a similar role to that of Max Dowman has done this season behind whoever the Gunners opt to be their starting left winger come August.