Manchester City are closing in on Arsenal academy midfielder Mishel Nduka, one of England’s top young midfield prospects, as the Premier League champions continue to outmanoeuvre their title rivals on the transfer front following their £12.5million deal for Leicester winger Jeremy Monga.
Manchester City are on the verge of landing another highly rated young player from a Premier League rival, this time poaching midfielder Mishel Nduka directly from Arsenal’s own academy. According to The Mail, Nduka is in talks to join City rather than sign fresh terms with Arsenal, after his academy contract expired and left him free to consider offers elsewhere despite Arsenal putting improved terms on the table. City are seen as frontrunners for his signature, though Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham have all also been made aware of his contract situation.
A Rapid Rise Through Arsenal’s Academy
Nduka only joined Arsenal in September 2025 after moving from Charlton, but progressed quickly through the club’s youth ranks, making appearances for the Under-18s, Under-21s and in the UEFA Youth League during the 2025-26 season. His performances have also drawn attention at international level; he has represented England at Under-16 level, having previously featured for the Under-15s. City reportedly regard Nduka as one of the leading midfield talents in his age group in the country, and believe he has the potential to develop into a first-team player, with the club identifying him as a priority target as it looks to strengthen its academy midfield amid the possibility of other youth departures this summer.
Despite City’s interest, Arsenal have not given up on retaining him and continue to push for Nduka to accept their improved scholarship terms before any move can be completed.
Part of a Wider Pattern This Summer
Nduka’s situation follows a similar path taken by fellow Arsenal academy player Kyran Thompson, who is reported to be set to join Tottenham rather than remain at the club. Together, the two departures come during what is proving a transitional period for Arsenal’s academy setup, with long-serving academy manager Per Mertesacker moving on and the club having appointed Pascal De Maesschalck from Strasbourg as its new academy director last week.
City’s Head Start With Monga
City’s interest in Nduka comes just days after they beat Arsenal to another highly sought-after young talent, Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga. The newly crowned Premier League champions had emerged as favourites to sign the 16-year-old following Leicester’s relegation, with talks between Arsenal and Monga at an advanced stage before City moved in last week to hijack the deal. Monga is now set to join City in a transfer worth £12.5million in total, prompting Arsenal to withdraw their interest in the England Under-18 international altogether.
