Highly-rated teenage winger Jeremy Monga has revealed that joining Manchester City instead of Arsenal was an easy decision, describing the move to the Etihad Stadium as a "no-brainer."

The 17-year-old completed a summer transfer from League One side Leicester City to the Premier League giants in a deal reportedly worth £10 million, with an additional £2.5 million in performance-related add-ons.

Despite attracting serious interest from reigning Premier League champions Arsenal, Monga opted to commit his future to Manchester City by signing a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until 2031.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the young winger admitted that Arsenal came very close to securing his signature.

“(Arsenal’s interest) was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close.”

However, Monga explained that Manchester City's reputation for developing young players and consistently competing for major honours ultimately influenced his decision.

“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.”

Monga has already taken his first steps as a Manchester City player, making his unofficial debut from the bench during City's 3-1 pre-season victory over a K-League XI in Seoul, South Korea.

Regarded as one of England's brightest young talents, the winger also holds the distinction of being the third-youngest player to feature in a Premier League match, underlining the high expectations surrounding his future.

Opinion

Jeremy Monga's decision reflects the growing influence of club development pathways in modern football. For many young talents, the opportunity to develop under elite coaches and compete in a winning environment can be just as important as immediate first-team opportunities.

Manchester City's academy has consistently produced players capable of competing at the highest level, and Monga will hope to follow a similar path. However, earning regular first-team football at a club filled with world-class talent remains a significant challenge.

Arsenal may be disappointed to have missed out on one of the country's brightest prospects, but for Monga, the responsibility now shifts from making the right career choice to proving he has what it takes to justify the confidence City have shown in him.