Rejecting Arsenal & Emulating Hazard: Monga Makes Debut in Man City Win

Jeremy Monga's £10 million transfer from Leicester to Manchester City might have flown under the radar this summer, but the 17-year-old's career trajectory is expected to be anything but quiet. He became the third-youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League and is now settling into life at one of the world's elite clubs under former Foxes boss Enzo Maresca. Monga made his debut in City's 3-1 friendly victory over a K-League XI in Seoul, coming off the bench for the final half-hour of the match. Despite the sweltering conditions, he showcased his youthful energy and nearly marked his appearance with a goal, only for a close-range effort to be disallowed for handball and another curling shot to be saved by the goalkeeper. Arsenal had been strongly pursuing Monga, with a deal reportedly close to completion. However, Manchester City ultimately gazumped their title rivals. "It [Arsenal interest] was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close," Monga told BBC Sport. "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." Monga, a boyhood Chelsea supporter, identifies former Blues star Eden Hazard as his idol. He aims to emulate the Belgian's directness, ability to take games by the scruff of the neck, and masterful ball manipulation. "His [solo] goal against Tottenham - or the goal against Liverpool. When you see the goal, you remember it," Monga recalled when asked about standout Hazard moments. If Monga achieves even a fraction of Hazard's success, his career will undoubtedly be a significant one.

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It [Arsenal interest] was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close. 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.