Some players burst onto the scene so early that the football world barely has time to register what it’s watching.
Jeremy Monga made his Premier League debut at 15 years and 271 days old.
The second youngest in the competition’s history.
And at 16, half of England’s elite clubs are fighting over him.
Manchester City attempt to hijack Arsenal’s Jeremy Monga deal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are underway to submit an official bid to Leicester City for Arsenal target Jeremy Monga.
Sources indicate City have made their own approach, attempting to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit before the deal reaches its conclusion.
The race is tight.
And Leicester, relegated to League One following another painful campaign, are in no position to simply hand anyone a discount.
With the club expected to demand between £10 million and £15 million for a player who represents arguably the most exciting young talent to emerge from their academy in years.
Arsenal rejected Leicester’s opening counter-proposal but negotiations remain ongoing, with Monga himself having made clear that the Emirates is his preferred destination.
That preference is Arsenal’s most powerful card.
Monga is described internally as a player comparable to Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr in terms of profile, fearless on the dribble, capable of going either side of a defender, and producing moments of quality that look entirely implausible for his age.
Manchester United had also been involved, sporting director Jason Wilcox holding talks with Leicester officials, while Chelsea and numerous other clubs have submitted enquiries.
As many as ten Premier League sides have expressed interest.
But it is Arsenal and City who are now at the sharp end.
And with the player’s heart already set on one destination, Arsenal face a very specific challenge, convincing a teenager that the Emirates represents a better path than the club he has already chosen.
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