Arsenal lead Jeremy Monga transfer race despite rivals' hijack bids

According to The Times, Brentford have emerged as the latest club to register their interest in Monga through his representatives, Gersh, with the Bees potentially offering the gifted youngster a more direct route into senior football.

Newcastle United and an unnamed German side have also been attempting to hijack the deal, though the Premier League champions are still favourites to complete the transfer after 10th July, when Monga turns 17.

This date holds particular significance, as Monga's initial professional contract, agreed with the Foxes last summer, becomes active on that day, enabling the Leicester to demand a fee.

Should the clubs fail to reach an agreement on a transfer package, the matter could be resolved through a tribunal. Earlier this year in February, Liverpool were instructed to pay Chelsea a base fee of £2.8million for Rio Ngumoha, with additional bonuses potentially reaching £4m, as determined by The Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC). Chelsea also secured a 20 per cent sell-on clause within that arrangement.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has played a key role in the club's efforts to land Monga, who became the third-youngest player to feature in the Premier League, following Gunners youngsters Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.

Behind the scenes at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, there's a clear ambition to bolster Arsenal's youth development programme after slipping behind major competitors in recent seasons.

England U18 international Monga is regarded as having genuine senior squad potential, though opportunities under Mikel Arteta may take time, despite the youngster featuring 30 times for Leicester last season.

Arsenal's radar also includes Aston Villa's attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, Club Brugge talent Christos Tzolis and PSG's Bradley Barcola, although the club recognises that negotiations for Rogers and Barcola could prove challenging while the World Cup takes place.

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