Jeremy Monga has opened up on one of the most talked-about transfer sagas involving a teenage talent in English football this summer.

The 17-year-old winger joined Manchester City after departing Leicester City, where he had established himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in the country.

Monga admitted that a move to Arsenal was genuinely close to happening, making his eventual decision all the more significant given the Gunners’ reputation for developing young players.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Monga revealed just how advanced talks with Arsenal had become before he ultimately opted for the Etihad Stadium instead.

“It [Arsenal interest] was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close,” Monga said, acknowledging the serious nature of the Gunners’ pursuit.

Despite the strong pull toward Arsenal, Monga said the history and pedigree of Manchester City proved to be the decisive factor in his thinking.

“The main decision was probably the pathway and the club itself. They’ve been so successful that it was a no-brainer when City call. It’s every child’s dream to win trophies and be at the top with the best,” he said.

Monga also spoke confidently about his ambitions at City, making clear he feels a deep personal connection to the club and its identity.

“Once I get the opportunity I just need to show myself, and once I do that, everything will take care of itself. I feel like, to me personally, I see myself at City more. I see myself in blue,” the teenager added.

The England youth international has already shown promising signs during pre-season at City, hinting that he could make a genuine impression on the first-team setup sooner rather than later.

Competition for places at the Etihad Stadium is fierce, however, and Monga may need to exercise patience before earning regular minutes in competitive football.

The same challenge would likely have faced him at Arsenal, suggesting the decision ultimately came down to his personal vision for his own development and career trajectory.

Leaving Leicester represented a bold step for a player of his age, but the move reflects the confidence Monga has in his own ability to succeed at the highest level.

At just 17, the forward clearly has his ambitions set firmly on winning major honours, and Manchester City undoubtedly offer him the best possible environment to pursue that goal.

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