Arsenal have entered the race to sign Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, with the Gunners monitoring his situation closely at Anfield ahead of a potential move.
The 18-year-old has attracted significant attention after showing flashes of his considerable ability at Premier League level during the past year.
Ngumoha registered two goals and one assist across 19 Premier League appearances last season, demonstrating he belongs at the highest level despite his youth.
Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge was among those to praise the teenager, lauding his performance during a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest back in February.
Arsenal teammate and England youth international Max Dowman has also spoken highly of Ngumoha, calling him “the best” after the winger scored a dramatic late winner at St. James’ Park against Newcastle United last August.
However, Ngumoha has found regular football difficult to come by this season, managing just 100 minutes across three Premier League appearances since the campaign began.
The London-born left-winger faces a tough path into the Liverpool starting XI, with Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
Liverpool broke their transfer record to bring Barcola to Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer, making it even harder for Ngumoha to force his way into Andoni Iraola’s plans on the left flank.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, faces a different situation on the opposite side, having lost both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard during the summer transfer window.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Gunners have developed a growing interest in Ngumoha and are actively tracking his situation with a view to making a move if he cannot hold down a regular starting berth.
Arsenal’s current wide options include Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke on the right, with Eberechi Eze and Christos Tzolis providing cover on the left, suggesting room for further reinforcement in that area.
The England under-19 international, who has earned 11 caps at that level, is contracted to Liverpool until 2028, though journalist Paul Joyce reported the club were close to agreeing an extension back in August.
Should Ngumoha fail to establish himself under Iraola before the year is out, Arsenal appear well-positioned to capitalise and offer the electric young forward the first-team platform he is clearly seeking.