‘Strong interest’ – Romano reveals Arsenal’s Rio Ngumoha plan

16 Sept 2026 06:49 BST | 4 min read

Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Make us your Google favourite

Fabrizio Romano has delivered his take on the future of Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha amid fresh rumours that the teenager has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Article continues under the video

Ngumoha initially moved to Anfield from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, with the 18-year-old delivering a series of impressive displays when called upon last term as he made his breakthrough.

However, Liverpool have recruited Bradley Barcola for €125 million, potentially barring the way for the youngster to receive first-team minutes he feels he either needs or deserves.

Current ETV

Rio Ngumoha

F, M (L)

Liverpool

Rio Ngumoha

F, M (L)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€19.6M - €23.9M

He did start in the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham, but his opportunities to play in the Premier League are likely to be limited, sparking claims that Arsenal are getting ready to make a move for a young star whose contract expires in 2028.

Romano, meanwhile, says that the player’s immediate future is at Liverpool, but the Gunners are ready to make Ngumoha their long-term replacement for Gabriel Martinelli if the door is opened for them to do so.

Arsenal see Ngumoha as Martinelli replacement

Romano outlined Ngumoha’s transfer situation and the possibility of him moving to Arsenal on his YouTube channel:

“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.

“Liverpool never really considered anything, apart from appreciating the player, which is normal. Ngumoha is one of the best talents in his position around, so it is normal to have clubs looking at him.

“At the same time, the message from Liverpool was not for sale and no exit. There was not even a discussion or a negotiation.

“Now there are rumours about Arsenal. Why are there rumours about Arsenal? Because Arsenal did not officially sign anyone to replace Martinelli.

“They replaced Leandro Trossard with Christos Tzolis, then Martinelli left and Arsenal decided to stay with the team they have. But Arsenal always look at opportunities.

“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.”

Liverpool fight back with contract talks

Liverpool, meanwhile, are seeking to halt such transfer rumours by having the talented young attacker sign a new long-term contract with the club.

“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,” Romano explained.

“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.

“So let's follow the situation. But that is the status around Rio Ngumoha.”

Liverpool look the favourites to secure Ngumoha’s long-term future, but Arsenal are among those pushing Liverpool to tie the teen down to a new contract.