Jeremy Monga’s future remains uncertain, with Arsenal keen to sign the Leicester City forward this summer after his impressive last 14 months. But former Foxes striker Emile Heskey has told the 16 year old to concentrate on playing regularly at this stage of his career.
Monga has been in the City squad since rapidly emerging through the academy ranks over a year ago. After becoming the second youngest Premier League player under Ruud van Nistelrooy, he was a regular member of the Foxes team last term.
The left winger, who is only 16, played 30 times in all competitions, starting just 10 and scored one goal. With the club now in League One, his future has been placed into doubt. Premier League clubs have been expected to swoop this summer.
Arsenal keen
Arsenal are reportedly pursuing a move for Monga, with a fee in the region of £10m/£15m suggested. The teenager’s scheduled professional contract will commence on July 10 when he turns 17, which has created a grey area in the finances involved for the deal. However, it’s understood that the scheduled professional terms mean the Gunners currently face paying a fee.
Heskey’s warning
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Heskey warned Monga against moving to one of the country’s biggest clubs and instead urged him to focus on playing on a weekly basis.
“It’s very tough for a young kid when clubs like that come calling. As a young player, you always think you’re confident enough to deal with anything, but it’s not easy,” Heskey said.
“He’s 17 this summer, so that means he is going to be on a second year scholarship. Really, he should be concentrating on that and getting some actual football under his belt. There’s a big conversation about him moving, but he hasn’t really played loads of senior minutes yet. You want these young players to play continuous football.
“If he goes to United, is he going straight into their first team? If he goes to Arsenal, is he going to play for sure? No. These kids honestly need first team football.
“He is a very, very good player, but he needs to be pushed, he needs to be challenged, and he needs to experience the real pressures of going up against adult professionals week in, week out.”
The bottom line
Monga is 16. He’s played 30 senior games. He’s a talent. But is he ready for Arsenal?
Heskey doesn’t think so. And he knows a thing or two about young forwards.
The Premier League champions are circling. A £15m fee has been suggested. But Monga’s development is at a crossroads.
Stay at Leicester, play in League One, get minutes. Or move to Arsenal, fight for a place, risk stagnation.
The boy wants to play. Heskey says that’s what matters most.
The next few weeks will decide his future. But the warning has been issued loud and clear.
