Rio Ngumoha continues to attract interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs as Liverpool looks to secure the highly-rated teenager's long-term future at Anfield
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid
Liverpool starlet Rio Ngumoha has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
A prominent journalist has issued an update on Rio Ngumoha's future at Liverpool and confirmed that Premier League rival Arsenal holds an interest in the player.
The teenager joined the Reds' academy from Chelsea in 2024 and has quickly progressed through the ranks and into the first team. He made his senior debut in January 2025, aged 16, in an FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley at Anfield.
At the start of the 2025-26 season, Ngumoha made his Premier League debut under former head coach Arne Slot. He came on as a late substitute for Cody Gakpo and scored in stoppage time to secure a famous 3-2 away victory over Newcastle United.
In total, he featured 29 times across all competitions, scoring two goals and registering one assist. He also earned a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's pre-World Cup England camp, where he made his senior debut for the national team in a friendly against New Zealand.
Despite the rapid rise for Ngumoha at Liverpool, speculation over his future has intensified in recent months. In the summer transfer window, he was tentatively linked with a move to Bayern Munich, and now a slow start under Andoni Iraola at the start of the current season has prompted fresh rumors involving Premier League rivals.
Speaking on The Athletic's podcast this week, Ornstein confirmed there is a lot of interest in the teenage talent, with Arsenal one of the clubs said to be monitoring his situation. However, he emphasized that clubs, including the Gunners, are allowed to like Ngumoha, but that does not mean they or anyone else can actually buy him.
Liverpool is said to be eager to extend Ngumoha's contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2028. There has been some speculation an agreement in principle has already been reached with the recently turned 18-year-old, although there has so far been no confirmation of an extension.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during the Premier League match against Fulham
Rio Ngumoha has featured in four of Liverpool's five matches so far this season(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Fortunately for Liverpool, Ornstein confirmed there are no indications that Ngumoha is unhappy at the club, and Liverpool had no interest in sanctioning a move when Bayern Munich expressed an interest at the start of the transfer window. Fabrizio Romano also reiterated that stance, claiming Liverpool views the player as a key part of the club's future.
So far this season under Iraola, Ngumoha has featured in four of Liverpool's five matches across all competitions. He was an unused substitute in the win over Ipswich Town but then started the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid a few days later.
He is yet to register a goal or an assist, but it can be argued Liverpool's new-look attack will require something of an adjustment period in the upcoming weeks. While Gakpo remained at the club despite links with a move away in the summer, Mohamed Salah departed at the end of last season.
Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola were signed before the deadline, and so far Iraola has used his wingers on both the left and the right. Ngumoha is expected to play a starting role in Tuesday evening's Carabao Cup meeting with Tottenham.