Arsenal interest in Rio Ngumoha is expected to grow, but Liverpool currently have no intention of allowing the teenage winger to leave, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said.
The 18-year-old has impressed during his limited time in Liverpool’s first team and is regarded as one of the leading young talents in his position. His future has nevertheless attracted attention, with Bayern Munich among the clubs linked with him during the summer.
Romano said Arsenal would be likely to monitor Ngumoha, particularly after choosing not to bring in a direct replacement for Gabriel Martinelli when the Brazil international left. However, he stressed that Liverpool’s position remains clear.
“The message out of Liverpool was always the same – the player is not leaving. The player is not for sale. We trust Rio. Rio is Liverpool future,” Romano said.
Liverpool discuss new Rio Ngumoha contract
Ngumoha’s current Liverpool contract runs until 2028, but talks over a new agreement are understood to be under way. Romano said the discussions would need to cover the guarantees the player wants before a deal can be completed.
“So 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. You still need to find the balance on every single point,” he said.
Romano added that Arsenal would be among the clubs interested if Ngumoha became available in 2027, 2028 or at a later date, while clubs from abroad could also make an approach. He said, however, that Liverpool had not entered into negotiations over a possible departure.
Arsenal have Christos Tzolis and Eberechi Eze as options on the left, while Max Dowman is viewed as another of the country’s major young prospects. Ngumoha is considered to have a higher potential ceiling, but Liverpool’s desire to retain him means any move remains dependent on the outcome of the contract talks.
