Leicester City are holding out for a minimum of £10million for highly-rated youngster Jeremy Monga, according to football.london. Arsenal are believed have tabled an offer of £5m for the Foxes winger, which has already been rejected, while Manchester United are also keen.
It is understood that Arsenal are hopeful of striking a compromise in their pursuit of the 16-year-old talent, given the player's contract situation and his eagerness to make the move to north London. The club are keen to avoid the matter being settled by a tribunal.
Monga holds the distinction of being the Premier League's third-youngest player after making his top-flight debut at just 15 years of age in April 2025.
Only Arsenal duo Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri have appeared in the division at a younger age.
Despite attracting attention from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners to land the exciting youngster. The Gunners have remained undeterred despite having an initial bid knocked back, with talks continuing.
Leicester successfully fought off interest from rival clubs last summer in spite of their relegation to the Championship, with Monga penning an academy scholarship upon turning 16.
As the teenager approaches his 17th birthday next month, that arrangement could be converted into a professional contract, though the club's further drop to League One may present the ideal opportunity for him to seek a fresh challenge.
The teenager made 30 appearances across all competitions last term and became the Championship's youngest-ever goalscorer when he found the net against Preston North End in August.
Arsenal's pursuit of Monga underlines their renewed commitment to securing some of the finest emerging talent from around the globe.
The north London outfit have already secured an agreement to sign Victor Ozhianvuna, who is scheduled to arrive at the club during the January window of next season.
Meanwhile, Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero are set to join in August 2027.
Arsenal have also made contact with Paris Saint-Germain teenager Emmanuel Mbemba, seeking to capitalise on the chance to lure away one of Europe's most highly-rated defenders.
Arsenal's transfer activity could receive a financial boost this summer. Former academy prospect Brooke Norton-Cuffy could be moving from Genoa to Napoli, with the Gunners understood to hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
With a fee reaching up to £17m expected, Arsenal stand to pocket more than £3m. Genoa will be hoping to achieve their desired valuation, with Fiorentina also keen on Norton-Cuffy's services.