£10m player says he’s made the ‘right choice’ after deciding not to join Arsenal

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Manchester City have officially confirmed the signing of Jeremy Monga.

The 17-year-old winger joins from Leicester City for £10million, a fee Arsenal ultimately decided was too high.

The Gunners had tracked Monga for months, agreed personal terms, and were widely considered front-runners to sign him. Max Dowman had even been talking to him about the club.

Imagine it’s the year 2030. How much is Max Dowman worth?

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Then City swooped in and offered a bigger financial package. The teenager will reportedly earn £70,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium.

Monga spoke to Manchester City’s official media about his decision upon signing. “When I became aware that Manchester City were interested, I knew instantly this was the right choice for me,” Monga 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.

“It is a privilege to be here and I’m delighted to have joined.”

Andrea Berta made his decision on Jeremy Monga

Monga had reportedly ‘badly wanted’ to join Arsenal before City swooped in.

Andrea Berta failing to get the deal done has frustrated fans, as has the broader pattern of hesitation in the window so far.

The Arsenal academy has taken several hits this summer. They are set to lose Kyran Thompson and Mishel Nduka, while former Tottenham youngster Elijah Upson’s visit to Colney offers some encouragement.

Business is also going slowly on the senior front. Illan Meslier has joined on a free transfer, joining Piero Hincapie as the only summer signings so far.

Progress is expected on the pursuit of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with personal terms already agreed.

Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola remain the primary targets on the left wing, with Christos Tzolis expected to arrive as a replacement for Leandro Trossard.