Liverpool aim to seal Rio Ngumoha’s future as Arsenal linger for left‑wing option

At 18, Rio Ngumoha is at the centre of a lucrative new contract discussion at Liverpool, with the Premier League champions keen to lock down the winger before Arsenal can intervene.

Arsenal’s left‑wing quest

Arsenal have been active in the market for a new left winger for 2027, having tried and failed to sign Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior over the summer. No direct replacement for Gabriel Martinelli arrived, and David Ornstein suggested the club could see “something happening” in January.

Liverpool’s contract negotiations

TEAMtalk reported earlier this month that Liverpool and Ngumoha’s camp reached an agreement in principle on a new deal at Anfield. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke said talks to turn that agreement into a binding contract are ongoing and unlikely to face obstacles. O’Rourke quoted the club: “Liverpool are desperate to keep hold of Ngumoha… the player is happy at Liverpool and is set to get regular starts this season.”

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Fabrizio Romano added that Liverpool have consistently maintained the player is “not for sale” and that there have been no negotiations with any club. He noted rumours about Arsenal stem from the Gunners’ lack of an official Martinelli replacement.

Romano also highlighted that interest will remain strong, with clubs abroad also watching, but Liverpool’s current focus is finalising the contract and meeting the guarantees Ngumoha seeks.

With the Premier League champions pressing ahead, the signs point to Arsenal missing out on another left‑wing prospect, at least for the immediate future.