Rio Ngumoha to Arsenal update as 'surprise' move on the cards

Arsenal are plotting an ambitious move to sign Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha as they aim to address their left-wing issues.

Mikel Arteta has been determined to strengthen out wide and missed out on a number of big-name targets during the summer, before turning his attention to the 18-year-old.

Liverpool are understandably reluctant to lose their teenage star, but Arsenal could look to test their resolve by making a formal offer when the 2027 transfer windows open.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Ngumoha ticks a number of boxes for Arsenal and would be a terrific signing if they could pull it off.

The winger ticks a number of boxes for Arteta, and would add pace and skill to a front line which has been weakened by the late departure of Gabriel Martinelli.

However, despite having started just one of three Preimer League games under Andoni Iraola, it will be difficult to convince Liverpool to sell Ngumoha to a direct rival.

Could Arsenal make a move to sign Rio Ngumoha?

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in June that every elite club in Europe has been keeping an eye on Ngumoha's situation at Liverpool with a move in mind.

This comes after Bayern Munich made approaches to the player's agent early in the summer transfer window, but their move failed to progress any further with Liverpool.

Arsenal have now been named as the latest club to join the race for the winger's signature, and they could push to get a deal over the line in the near future.

"Rio Ngumoha is now being spoken about with a potential move to Arsenal," Brown told Football Insider.

"There is a chance that they could do a deal with Liverpool, but it would be a surprise if Liverpool had any intention of letting him go, especially to another Premier League club.

"When he comes into the Liverpool side, he does well, he makes a difference on the pitch and they have high hopes for his future.

"But he's not starting every week for them, and when you throw Arsenal into the mix and say they're showing an interest in him, there might be a decision to make.

"Ngumoha is exactly what they need at Arsenal, because they need a player who can light them up a bit, and he has got that electric pace that they're lacking.

"When you look at the players Arsenal have targeted in that position, they're all of similar profiles, and Ngumoha fits into that as well.

"It's clear what they want to add to their squad, it's just about whether they can do a deal with Liverpool, because I can't imagine they'll be willing to lose him easily."

How do Liverpool feel about losing Ngumoha?

Despite Arsenal becoming the latest club to show an interest in Ngumoha, any decision over his future at Anfield will be made by Liverpool and whether they are open to a move.

The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene in recent seasons and established himself as part of the first-team plans, despite not nailing down a role in the starting XI.

However, Football Insider revealed in June that Liverpool are accelerating contract talks with Ngumoha as they hope to see him commit his long-term furure to the club.

The winger last extended his contract in 2025, a month after he turned 17, and is now eligible to sign a longer-term deal to secure his future as part of Liverpool's plans.

Talks are believed to have been held behind the scenes, but with little evidence of progress between the parties, rival clubs including Arsenal could be placed on alert.