Key Points
- Arsenal are reportedly tracking Liverpool’s 18-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha as a potential target for 2027 or 2028.
- Fabrizio Romano stated that Arsenal did not formally replace Gabriel Martinelli after selling him, leaving space for a new wide player.
- Liverpool consider Ngumoha untransferable and are actively negotiating a contract extension with the teenager.
- David Ornstein confirmed Arsenal’s long-standing admiration for Ngumoha, noting there is no sign the player is unhappy at Anfield.
- Lewis Steele reported Arsenal’s interest is exploratory and genuine, particularly if new signings limit Ngumoha’s playing time.
- Bayern Munich and other elite European clubs previously made approaches during the summer transfer window.
Arsenal (North London News) September 18, 2026 – Arsenal are closely monitoring Liverpool’s highly-rated 18-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha as a long-term target, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Is Arsenal Planning a Move for Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha?
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Arsenal are keeping a close watch on Liverpool forward Rio Ngumoha and would be ready to act should an opportunity arise in 2027 or 2028.
Romano explained that speculation linking the Gunners with the teenager stems from Arsenal’s recent transfer business. Although Mikel Arteta sanctioned the departures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, the club only signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge to replace Trossard. Following Martinelli’s exit, Arsenal opted against signing a direct replacement, choosing instead to utilize squad versatility while continuously evaluating future market opportunities.
According to Romano, Liverpool maintain a firm stance regarding the player. Romano stated:
“In the summer, we had many rumours about Bayern Munich and more clubs, but the message from Liverpool was always the same: the player is not leaving, the player is not for sale and Liverpool trust Rio. Rio is Liverpool’s future.”
Romano added regarding Arsenal’s position:
“If there is a chance to sign Rio Ngumoha in 2027, 2028 or whenever, for sure Arsenal would be among the clubs interested. And not only Arsenal. I am sure there will also be clubs from abroad.”
What Is Liverpool’s Current Position on Ngumoha’s Future?
As reported by Joe Williams of Football365, Liverpool are actively working to secure the winger’s long-term future on Merseyside. The player’s current deal runs until 2028, but Liverpool have opened talks over a new contract to ward off interest from rival clubs.
Addressing ongoing contract discussions, Romano confirmed that while Liverpool wish to retain the player, agreements require careful alignment:
“There will be strong interest in Rio Ngumoha. But at the moment, Liverpool want to keep the boy and Liverpool are discussing a new contract with Rio. There are conversations ongoing about the contract. Then you still need to get it done. You still need to give the guarantees the player wants and find the balance on every single point.”
Complementing this, Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk reported that Liverpool and Ngumoha’s representatives have already established an agreement in principle regarding a new deal, though formal execution remains pending.
What Are Other Transfer Experts Saying About the Rumours?
As reported by David Ornstein on The Athletic FC podcast, Arsenal’s admiration for the teenager is authentic but does not imply an imminent departure from Anfield. Ornstein noted that he heard over the summer that Arsenal appreciated the player’s talents, emphasizing that interest from multiple top clubs is expected given Ngumoha’s status as a precocious talent. Ornstein further clarified that there is no indication that Ngumoha is dissatisfied with his situation at Liverpool.
Meanwhile, as reported by Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, Arsenal’s position is best described as exploratory rather than advanced. Steele reported that Arsenal are keeping tabs on the player’s development in the event that first-team opportunities become constrained following Liverpool’s substantial recruitment in attack, including high-profile signings like Bradley Barcola. Steele noted that while Ngumoha is aware of external interest from clubs such as Arsenal and Bayern Munich, he remains content at Liverpool.
Background of the Development
Rio Ngumoha made a high-profile move to Liverpool from Chelsea’s youth academy in the summer of 2024. His arrival was viewed as a major coup for Liverpool’s academy structure, and the 18-year-old quickly justified that reputation by delivering standout performances in cup competitions and youth categories, earning promotion into first-team training.
However, the landscape in Liverpool’s attacking department has shifted noticeably. Following the departure of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool reinforced their wide options through major investments, including the acquisitions of Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz. These arrivals have increased competition on the left flank, limiting Ngumoha’s Premier League starts and prompting rival clubs to assess whether the player might eventually seek guaranteed playing time elsewhere.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect the Audience
This development directly affects several key stakeholders across English football:
- Arsenal Supporters: Arsenal fans can expect the club’s recruiting team to maintain a patient, opportunistic approach. Having refrained from panic buying after Gabriel Martinelli’s departure, Arsenal’s hierarchy appears intent on waiting for top-tier young talent rather than signing short-term stopgaps.
- Liverpool Supporters: For Liverpool followers, this situation underlines the dual reality of squad depth. While elite signings ensure immediate competitiveness, the club must balance squad size to prevent top academy prospects from feeling their pathway to the first team is blocked.
- The Player and Representation: For Ngumoha, external interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich provides considerable leverage during current contract negotiations with Liverpool. Whether he signs an extension at Anfield or eventually assesses alternatives, the teenager remains in a strong position regarding his long-term career trajectory.
