Rio Ngumoha is only 18, but his name is already back in the transfer news. Arsenal are watching the Liverpool winger closely, yet a move is not near. Much may depend on his minutes at Anfield.
Arsenal watching Rio Ngumoha closely
As reported by TEAMTALK, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Ngumoha and could look at a future move if his role at Liverpool does not grow. The report says the Gunners are watching his progress rather than making a firm bid right now. Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea in 2024. He had already built a strong name in the Blues’ youth system before making the move north.
The teenager has also made a quick rise into senior football. Ngumoha made his first-team debut for Liverpool aged 16 and has since become a regular part of the squad. He has also started in the early part of the 2026/27 season, including a Champions League game against Atletico Madrid. His pace and skill have made him an exciting player to watch.
Rio Ngumoha’s stats for 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists
Premier League 19 2 1
Premier League 2 2 1 0
FA Cup 4 0 0
EFL Cup 2 0 0
Champions League 4 0 0
Game time may shape the future of Rio Ngumoha
The main issue is not a lack of talent. It is the number of minutes he gets. Arsenal are closely following his situation and could consider a move if Ngumoha does not establish himself on the left side under Andoni Iraola. There is no sign of a formal offer at present. The interest is still only at the monitoring stage. That concern has grown after Liverpool added more players for the wings like Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz. Cody Gakpo has stayed too.
Arsenal are also looking at the wider picture around the player, with his growing role at Anfield being a key part of the story. The Gunners are understood to admire what they have seen from the young winger, but Liverpool remain keen to keep control of his future. There is another important point. Ngumoha is under contract with Liverpool until 2028. The Reds are also trying to extend that deal, although a new agreement has not yet been reached.
Liverpool want to keep their young star
Liverpool have little reason to rush into a sale. The club see Ngumoha as a key part of their long-term plans and would be very unlikely to let him go easily. There is also no current sign that the winger wants out. There is no indication that Ngumoha is unhappy at Anfield. He has recently started in the Champions League and was given another chance against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
The bigger question is what happens next. If Ngumoha keeps getting chances, the interest of the defending Premier League champions may not lead anywhere. But if his minutes fall, the story could become more serious. For now, the situation is simple. Arsenal are watching. Liverpool want to keep him. Ngumoha still has time to prove where he fits into Iraola’s plans.
Author’s Opinion
Rio Ngumoha is still at the start of his career, so one spell on the bench should not decide his future. Regular minutes will matter, but patience should matter too. Right now, the key story is development, not a transfer.
READ MORE: Lewis Koumas gets Liverpool lifeline after Iraola call.
ALSO READ: Ben White missing from Arsenal training in fresh injury concern.
READ NEXT: Ronald Araujo: Liverpool handed €55m route to keep defender.