Liverpool eased into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield on Tuesday.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo put the Reds in control before Conor Gallagher pulled one back for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Dominik Szoboszlai settled the tie with a stoppage-time strike.
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Andoni Iraola made ten changes from the side held to a goalless draw by Fulham at the weekend, handing starts to fringe players including Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and Rio Ngumoha, who lined up on the right of Liverpool’s attack.
Ngumoha’s night ended without a goal or assist, but his involvement comes amid a wider question over his long-term future at Anfield with David Ornstein confirming Arsenal’s interest in the youngster.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given his latest update on Rio Ngumoha’s situation at Liverpool, confirming Arsenal’s interest in the 18-year-old winger amid uncertainty over his contract.
Ngumoha joined Liverpool’s academy from Chelsea in 2024 and made his breakthrough last season under Slot. His current contract runs until 2028, and Romano says that is something the club may need to address before rival interest becomes more concrete.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained where the Arsenal links have come from. He noted that Arsenal replaced Leandro Trossard with Christos Tzolis over the summer but did not sign a direct replacement after Gabriel Martinelli’s departure, leaving a gap in Mikel Arteta’s forward line.
Romano was clear, though, that Liverpool’s position has not shifted. He said the message out of the club throughout the summer, when Ngumoha was also linked with Bayern Munich, was that the player is “not for sale” and that there was “not even a discussion or negotiation” over an exit.
“For sure Arsenal would be among clubs interested,” Romano said, referring to any opportunity that might arise in 2027, 2028, or beyond. He added that interest would not be limited to Arsenal, with clubs outside England also watching the situation.
Ngumoha’s game time at Liverpool has been limited this season. The arrivals of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and Victor Munoz from Osasuna have added to the competition for wide areas, and he has started just one Premier League match under Iraola.
Romano also confirmed that Liverpool are in active talks with Rio Ngumoha over a new contract.
“There are conversations ongoing about the contract,” Romano said, though he stressed that reaching an agreement is not yet done.
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