“No-brainer” to choose Manchester City over Arsenal, says new signing

Manchester City new-boy Jeremy Monga has insisted it was a no-brainer to choose a move to the Etihad Stadium despite also having the chance to join Arsenal.

The talented 17-year-old shone at former club Leicester City, earning the reputation for being one of the biggest prospects in English football.

At one point it looked like Monga was sure to be moving to Arsenal, with the player himself also now admitting that he came very close to joining the Gunners.

Still, Monga has also admitted that he couldn’t turn down Man City due to their recent history of winning major trophies.

Jeremy Monga on joining Manchester City over Arsenal

Speaking to BBC Sport about this summer’s saga, Monga said: “It [Arsenal interest] was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close.

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“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.

“Once I get the opportunity I just need to show myself, and once I do that, everything will take care of itself. I feel like, to me personally, I see myself at City more. I see myself in blue.”

Monga has had a few promising moments in pre-season with City so far, but it will be interesting to see if the England youth international gets many opportunities once the competitive football starts.

There’s a lot of competition for places at the Etihad Stadium, and Monga may have to be patient before getting a run in Enzo Maresca’s first-team.

Still, that would also have been true at Arsenal, with Monga clearly feeling it was the right time to leave Leicester and progress in his career.