Arsenal preferred over Manchester United in Leicester winger Jeremy Monga transfer

Manchester United’s pursuit of Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga has encountered a significant obstacle after the player reportedly indicated a preference for a move to Arsenal. Journalists Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs have reported that Monga has opened discussions with the Gunners, picking Arsenal over several other clubs, including United. A full verbal agreement between Monga and Arsenal is reportedly close, suggesting the teenager is likely to join the north London side.

Leicester City, who were relegated to League One, are seeking a £15 million fee to balance their finances. The East Midlands club are likely to turn to player sales to address the situation following their drop to the third tier of English football. While Manchester United remain interested in the 16-year-old, all signs indicate they are resigned to missing out on the talent.

The Red Devils’ form in the final third of the pitch improved drastically in the 2025/26 campaign following an investment of over £200 million in the frontline last summer. United scored 69 goals in 38 Premier League games, just two fewer than champions Arsenal. While Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have all enjoyed impressive debut campaigns, the English giants remain on the hunt for further attacking reinforcements.

The idea is to add more width to the frontline, as neither Cunha nor Mbeumo are natural wingers. The duo have a tendency to drift inside, and the Red Devils are looking for a speedy winger who can stretch the opposition and add another dimension to their attack. RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye have been named as options, but INEOS also remain alert to rising stars from across the country.

Monga rose through the ranks at the King Power Stadium and broke into the senior side in April 2025. He subsequently became the second-youngest player to feature in the Premier League, behind Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri. Last season, the left-sided attacker registered one goal and two assists in 30 appearances across competitions for Leicester. Red Devils legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was in charge of Leicester City during the 2024/25 campaign and handed the teenager his debut, famously described him as “fantastic”.

United have shifted to a youth-centric transfer policy under INEOS, and Monga is exactly the kind of talent they will want in their squad. However, the player’s preference for Arsenal complicates matters. United are preparing for a busy summer and have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but securing Monga’s services is unlikely to be as straightforward.