Arsenal have reportedly seen their first bid for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga rejected, but talks are expected to continue.
The latest Arsenal transfer news moves the story on from the Gunners making an opening offer to Leicester now turning down the first proposal. However, there remains an expectation that both clubs could eventually reach an agreement for the 16-year-old.
Daily Cannon, citing Sam Wallace in The Telegraph, reports that Arsenal placed their initial bid on Thursday. Leicester have rejected that approach for now, but their relegation to League One and wider financial position may still push the deal forward.
Arsenal Still Expected To Push For Monga
Monga has emerged as one of Arsenal’s long-term attacking targets this summer, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to add future depth as well as first-team quality.
ReadArsenal previously covered the wider Arsenal transfer news around the club’s attacking search including a link to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Monga fits the profile of a player signed with future development in mind.
The teenager is not expected to arrive as an instant senior starter. The report claims he could complete a full pre-season with Arsenal before the club decide whether a loan would be best for his development.
That approach would make sense. Arsenal clearly see high upside, but Monga would still need a careful pathway into senior football.
For Leicester, the situation is delicate. They will not want to lose one of their brightest young talents cheaply, but Arsenal’s interest now looks active rather than speculative.
The first bid being rejected is not the end of the story. It is the start of the negotiation.
Arsenal now have to decide how quickly they return with an improved offer.
