What Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have said about Arsenal’s rumoured interest in Ngumoha

Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have both addressed recent rumours regarding the future of Rio Ngumoha.

It was reported over the past few days that Arsenal are tracking the Liverpool winger’s development and could explore a move for the teenager if he’s struggling to earn much game-time at Anfield.

Graeme Bailey claimed earlier this month that the Reds have an agreement ‘in principle’ regarding a new contract for the 18-year-old, although no formal announcement has yet been made by the club in that regard.

Ornstein and Romano address Ngumoha/Arsenal rumours

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Ornstein verified that Arsenal are indeed showing an interest in Ngumoha.

He said: “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. I don’t know of an agreement yet on a new deal, so clearly that’s something they’ll try to progress… I heard Arsenal have some interest in him, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens with him and Liverpool because there is no suggestion he’s unhappy there.”

Meanwhile, on his eponymous YouTube channel, Romano said of Ngumoha: “Now there are rumours about Arsenal. What rumours about Arsenal? Arsenal didn’t sign anyone to replace officially [Gabriel] Martinelli. They replaced Leandro Trossard with Christos Tzolis and then Martinelli left and Arsenal decided to stay with the team they have.

“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.”

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Hopefully Liverpool can sort out a new contract for Ngumoha soon

The Liverpool winger had reportedly been a ‘concrete’ transfer target for Bayern Munich at the start of this summer. Anfield chiefs made it quite clear that they wouldn’t entertain selling the 18-year-old, but that seemingly hasn’t deterred Arsenal from declaring ther interest.

As Ornstein suggested, the Gunners are within their rights to identify Ngumoha as a player they’d like to sign, but the Reds own his contract and can decide whether or not they’ve any intention of even considering a sale next year.

His current deal runs to 2028 but, now that he’s an adult and has made a telling impact in the LFC first team, we’d expect the club to try and tie him down to a long-term agreement on drastically improved terms before next summer.

Arsenal seem to be pinning their hopes on the youngster not starting regularly this season, but he’s been in from the start in three of our six games so far under Andoni Iraola and has played in another two.

Even with added competition for the wide attacking berths at Liverpool, the 18-year-old still looks set to enjoy plenty of game-time at Anfield, and that should stave off any worries of him seeking to jump ship.

Hopefully he’ll soon be sorted out with a new contract so that any fears over a prospective exit are well and trult put to bed.