Rio Ngumoha could help Arsenal complete game-changing signing

Updated: 19 Jun 2026 11:38 BST | 5 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Liverpool starlet Rio Ngumoha could inadvertently help Arsenal complete the signing of Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola before the end of the 2026 summer transfer window.

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Ngumoha, 17, enjoyed a breakout campaign at Anfield last term and widespread reports have suggested that he could play a key role under new boss Andoni Iraola next season.

Current ETV

Rio Ngumoha

F, M (L)

Liverpool

Rio Ngumoha

F, M (L)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€26.9M - €32.8M

The former Chelsea academy star, who won the Man of the Match award on his England debut during their pre-World Cup friendly against New Zealand, made 29 first-team appearances for Liverpool last season, scoring twice, and a large portion of Reds fans are keen for him to permanently displace Cody Gakpo in the starting XI.

Iraola’s side officially completed the signing of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz on Thursday, after hijacking Newcastle United’s proposed summer deal, and the Spain star is expected to compete with Ngumoha for a starting position next year.

Meanwhile, the Reds remain interested in signing Yan Diomande as their replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right flank, with an opening offer of €100 million rejected by RB Leipzig.

With Munoz confirmed as Liverpool’s second signing of the summer, after French defender Jeremy Jacquet, it’s hard to imagine a world in which the Reds also finalise a deal for Barcola too.

The PSG forward has been heavily linked with an Anfield switch in recent months and it’s understood that he remains on their radar. However, rumours have indicated that Liverpool have no intention of halting Ngumoha’s development and signing Barcola in addition to Munoz is therefore extremely unlikely.

As a result, this could help Arsenal in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

© IMAGO - Arsenal want to sign Bradley Barcola

Arsenal to sign Bradley Barcola?

FootballTransfers understand that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to bolster his attacking options this summer and we have been informed that a deal for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is currently being explored by the Emirates Stadium hierarchy.

However, Barcola is regarded as a key target too and The Independent have confirmed that an opening offer is being planned by the Gunners.

The 23-year-old is seen as one of the best wingers in world football and if Liverpool decide against rivalling Arsenal for his signature due to the presence of Ngumoha, Arteta’s side could have a free run at the Frenchman, especially as fellow suitors Chelsea can’t offer Champions League football after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season.

Barcola registered 20 goal contributions in 49 games for PSG last year and he scored his first World Cup goal during France’s 3-1 win over Senegal on Tuesday.

If Barcola were to arrive at Arsenal this summer, he would likely replace Leandro Trossard in Arteta's favoured starting XI, with the Gunners boss eager to complete his attack with a high-profile left winger signing.

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