Liverpool to 'block' Rio Ngumoha joining Arsenal after 'talks held'

Liverpool are putting plans in place to block Rio Ngumoha from joining Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old has emerged as a target for the Gunners as they aim to strengthen out wide after missing out on other big-name targets in the summer window.

However, Andoni Iraola views the winger as a key part of his squad and has no intention of seeing him join a direct Premier League rival at any price.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool will be doing everything in their power to keep hold of Ngumoha for the foreseeable future.

So far this season, the teenager has made five appearances, but has started just one league game, leading to question marks about his long-term role under Iraola.

Desipte that, and with the Reds lacking depth out wide, Ngumoha still has a key role to play and any attempt from Arsenal to lure him away is set to be dismissed.

Could Arsenal make a move for Rio Ngumoha?

Brown told Football Insider on 16 September that Arsenal are plotting a move to sign Ngumoha in January and could be prepared to test Liverpool’s resolve.

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, Liverpool have no plans to let Ngumoha move on any time soon, while talks have been held over a new contract and their plan for his continued development.

"I can't imagine Liverpool will be willing to lose Ngumoha easily," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's always done a good job when called upon as part of their squad, and he's still a big part of the manager's plans, so it would be a surprise for them to let him go.

"I expect they will be doing everything in their power to keep him at the club, they've got clear plans for his long-term development and his role in the squad.

"I'm told there have been talks held about the possibility of a new contract, and at this stage I would say that is far more likely than a move to Arsenal.

"For Liverpool, keeping young players like him is just as important as signing new ones, so they have to make sure efforts are being made to stop him leaving.

"Regardless of what sort of money might be on the table, it just wouldn't make sense for them to let Ngumoha join one of their rivals."

How can Liverpool keep hold of Ngumoha?

Liverpool have clear plans in place to stop Ngumoha joining Arsenal, and are hopeful of preventing his departure in favour of keeping him at the club long-term.

The Reds have been on alert over the winger's future since the summer, when Bayern Munich were reported to have held talks over a potential move away from Anfield.

Football Insider revealed in June that Liverpool were holding crunch talks with Ngumoha to sign a new contract and commit his long-term future to Iraola's project.

There are high hopes for his development alongside his immediate role in the first team, and the club hope to deter any speculation about his future.

The 18-year-old is believed to be happy at Anfield and keen to stay and fight for his place, despite the added competition and likely further attacking signings.