Manchester City have struck an early blow to Arsenal by signing 17-year-old Jeremy Monga from Leicester City for £10m plus add-ons, gazumping the Premier League champions who were leading the race for the teenage winger. The England youth international, who turned 17 on Friday, has signed a five-year deal and said: “For any young footballer, to become part of this amazing club is a dream come true. This has been the best club in England over the past 10 years. And it has also handed opportunities to players from the academy like Phil Foden and Nico O'Reilly, which shows that the pathway is there.”
Monga became Leicester’s youngest starter aged 16 years and 34 days last August and made 37 appearances for the Foxes, including seven as a substitute in the Premier League, before their relegation to League One. The move accelerated under new City manager Enzo Maresca, who worked with Monga during his season in charge of Leicester. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be bitterly disappointed after his side were outmanoeuvred by City, with a deal seemingly close to completion.
“Man City gazump Arsenal to sign Jeremy Monga for £10m, while Arsenal land Ona Batlle and City sign Niamh Charles.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spain full-back Ona Batlle on a free transfer after her departure from Barcelona, continuing a busy start to the window. The 27-year-old, who won 11 trophies in three seasons at Barcelona including two Champions Leagues, is the club’s fourth arrival after Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci and Geraldine Reuteler. Batlle, who can play at left-back or right-back, made 114 appearances and scored 14 goals for Barcelona, and previously played 77 times for Manchester United. “I’m very happy and excited to get going,” she told Arsenal’s media channels. “Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I can’t wait to feel the joy of playing in front of our supporters. I want to win trophies and I feel this is the right place to achieve that.” Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers added: “She’s a hugely experienced full-back with strong attacking intent and great physical attributes. She’s a winner and we want to go for more wins together.”
Manchester City also strengthened their women’s side by signing England full-back Niamh Charles from Chelsea on a three-year deal until 2029, as the two clubs continue to battle for domestic supremacy in both the men’s and women’s games.
