Fabrizio Romano has given his clearest update yet on the future of Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha, confirming that Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring the highly rated winger as contract discussions continue at Anfield.
The 18-year-old England youth international has impressed in his limited first-team opportunities this season, but his long-term situation remains unresolved. His current deal runs until 2028, and while Liverpool have repeatedly insisted he is not for sale, the lack of a new contract has inevitably attracted attention.
Liverpool’s firm stance – and growing external interest
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that Liverpool’s position has been consistent since the summer, when Bayern Munich were among those linked with Ngumoha:
“In the summer we had many rumours about Bayern and more clubs, but the message out of Liverpool was always the same – the player is not leaving. The player is not for sale. We trust Rio. Rio is Liverpool’s future.
So Liverpool never really considered anything apart from appreciating the player, which is normal. Rio is one of the best talents in his position around. So it’s normal to have clubs looking at him.”
That stance has not changed. However, Romano noted that Arsenal’s interest is logical given their current squad situation.
Arsenal did not permanently replace Gabriel Martinelli after his departure. While Christos Tzolis has started brightly following his arrival and Eberechi Eze offers another left-sided option, the Gunners remain open to high-upside opportunities in that area of the pitch.
Romano was clear:
“Now there are rumours about Arsenal. What rumours about Arsenal? Because Arsenal didn’t sign anyone to replace officially Martinelli… But obviously Arsenal always look at opportunities. So if there is a chance to sign Rio in 2027, 2028 or whenever, for sure Arsenal would be among clubs interested, and not only Arsenal, I’m sure also clubs from abroad.”
Contract talks ongoing
The key development is that Liverpool are in active discussions with Ngumoha over a new deal. Romano stressed that nothing is finalised yet:
“At the moment Liverpool want to keep the boy and Liverpool are discussing a new contract with Rio. So 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. You still need to find the balance on every single point.”
Until those talks are resolved, external interest is unlikely to disappear.
Why Ngumoha fits Arsenal’s profile
Ngumoha possesses the explosive pace, technical quality and directness that many feel Arsenal still lack on the left flank. At 18 he is already viewed as one of the brightest English prospects of his generation — a player who could develop alongside Arsenal’s own highly rated youngster Max Dowman.
Liverpool clearly see him as part of their long-term plans and will fight hard to keep him. But the longer a new contract remains unsigned, the more realistic the possibility of a future move becomes.
For now, the message from Anfield remains firm: Rio Ngumoha is not for sale. Whether that stance holds through 2027 and beyond may depend on how the current contract negotiations progress.
