David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano share what they’ve heard about Arsenal’s interest in Rio Ngumoha

Arsenal may not have got the left-sided attacker they wanted during the summer, but that doesn’t mean their pursuit of one has ended.

Vinicius Jr stayed at Real Madrid, Morgan Rogers went to Chelsea, Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool, and Julian Alvarez chose to stay in Madrid. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both left but only Christos Tzolis came in as a replacement. The need for a quality wide option on the left is still Arsenal’s most pressing concern.

One name that has been circulating in recent days is Rio Ngumoha. Liverpool’s highly-rated 18-year-old winger featured in England’s warm-up games before the World Cup and is widely considered one of the most exciting young talents in the country. Alan Nixon was first to report Arsenal’s interest in Ngumoha, and now two of the most reliable sources in the game have weighed in.

David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano confirm Arsenal’s interest in Rio Ngumoha

David Ornstein, via The Athletic, has reported: “I think there is some interest from Arsenal in Rio Ngumoha. There’s surely interest from lots of clubs in him, because he’s such a precocious talent. I did hear over the summer that they like him. They’re allowed to like him — that’s their prerogative. It doesn’t mean Liverpool are going to sell him. They want to renew his contract. He’s 18 and tied down at Anfield until 2028.”

Fabrizio Romano said similar on his YouTube channel: “Arsenal always look at opportunities. So if there is a chance to sign Rio Ngumoha in 2027, 2028 or whenever, for sure Arsenal would be among clubs interested. But at the moment Liverpool want to keep the boy and Liverpool are discussing a new contract with Rio.”

So ultimately, and unsurprisingly, Arsenal like him, Liverpool want to keep him, and a new contract is being discussed. But should those talks break down for whatever reason — perhaps he may feel his pathway is blocked by Barcola — the door for Arsenal to swoop in could open next year or beyond.

As a direct, two-footed, creative winger comfortable in tight spaces, Ngumoha is everything Arsenal are looking for on the left. And at 18, he’s still young enough to be moulded exactly as Arteta would want for his side’s attack.

Liverpool are confident in getting that renewal done, but Arsenal are circling.