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Liverpool are keen to secure teenage star Rio Ngumoha to a new deal amid mounting interest from Premier League title holders Arsenal.
The 18-year-old was recruited from Chelsea's youth setup in September 2024 and had a breakthrough campaign with the Reds in 2025–26. He featured in 29 games across all competitions and etched his name in club history as their youngest-ever scorer with a decisive goal against Newcastle United early in the season.
Ngumoha has already clocked five more appearances for Liverpool this season and is considered a key component of the club's senior plans, despite the summer signings of Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz—both of whom operate in the youngster's favored left wing position.
However, with his existing deal expiring in 2028 and no extension yet agreed, David Ornstein has confirmed speculation surrounding Arsenal's pursuit of Ngumoha on The Athletic FC podcast.
"I think there is some interest from Arsenal in Rio Ngumoha," said Ornstein. "There's surely interest from lots of clubs in him, because he's such a precocious talent. I did hear over the summer that they like him. They're allowed to like him; that's their prerogative. It doesn't mean Liverpool are going to sell him.
"They want to renew his contract. He's 18 and tied down at Anfield until 2028. I don't know of an agreement yet on a new deal, so clearly that's something they'll try to progress."
Andoni Iraola Holds Key to Ngumoha Future
Liverpool regard their gifted teenager as untransferable having already rebuffed advances from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig last summer, but Andoni Iraola's deployment of Ngumoha could prove pivotal in determining the player's future.
With Barcola, Muñoz and Cody Gakpo among the manager's other wide options, the responsibility falls on him to hand Ngumoha consistent playing time and prevent the player from becoming restless as Liverpool push to extend his contract.
"I heard Arsenal have some interest in him, but I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens with him and Liverpool because there is no suggestion he's unhappy there," Ornstein added.
"I reported over the summer that Ngumoha was actually Bayern Munich's top target at one point to strengthen in the wing position. They'd done quite a lot of work on it, but it didn't develop. Liverpool had no interest in trading him.
"RB Leipzig were another club credited with interest. What will be really interesting is to see how much game time he gets at Liverpool, because wingers are the big thing for Andoni Iraola.
"You would expect him to be a real asset for them. Let's see how it develops."
Why Do Arsenal Want Ngumoha?
Arsenal's interest is partly driven by a shortage of left wing options. Christos Tzolis was recently acquired from Club Brugge, but the Gunners have since parted ways with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
At present, Tzolis faces competition on the left flank only from Eberechi Eze, who is better suited to a central attacking midfield role regardless.
Mikel Arteta will be looking to strengthen that position in the near future, and Arsenal have clearly flagged it as an area requiring attention given their failed pursuit of Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during the summer window.
The north London club had also registered interest in Morgan Rogers before his move to Chelsea, as well as Barcola prior to his switch to Liverpool.
Ngumoha's ability is beyond question and he has every chance of developing into one of the world's elite wingers over the coming years. Securing his signature, however, will be anything but simple.