Arsenal Track Liverpool Prospect Rio Ngumoha as Transfer Plans Take Shape

Arsenal are monitoring Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha’s route into the first team, while Liverpool are themselves keeping close watch on Bournemouth winger Rayan as they assess future options on the right. Elsewhere, several leading English and European clubs are positioning themselves around young talent, contract talks and possible January business.

What changed for the club

Ngumoha, 18, is expected to agree fresh terms with Liverpool after joining from Chelsea’s academy in September 2024 and making his senior debut in January 2025. Arsenal could consider an approach if the winger does not secure a regular place in Liverpool’s starting side this season. Bayern Munich have also been linked with the player.

Liverpool are tracking Brazil international Rayan, 20, as a longer-term right-wing candidate. The Bournemouth player is particularly well known to Liverpool’s former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, and has a contract running until June 2031. His £130 million release clause will come into effect in 2027.

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Pierre Kalulu in January face resistance from Juventus. The Italian club view the France defender as central to their plans and are preparing an improved contract offer, despite a valuation of about €50 million.

• Jadon Sancho’s representatives have spoken with several Premier League sides following his Manchester United exit, while clubs in Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Turkey are also interested.
• Jack Grealish wants to remain at Everton permanently once his Manchester City loan concludes.
• Celtic’s move for Liverpool defender Luke Chambers is being challenged by interest from Championship clubs.
• Torino full-back Cristiano Biraghi has signed an extension through to 2028.

Competition context

Borussia Dortmund have entered the contest for Leicester City midfielder Louis Page. Manchester United showed strong interest last month but did not complete a deal for the 18-year-old, who has supplied three assists across five League One appearances this season.

Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle United have also watched the England Under-19 international, whose performances have made him one of Leicester’s leading players during the opening part of the campaign.

Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, 28, has been presented as a possible future option for Real Madrid. Madrid continue to follow the Switzerland international but remain focused on extending Thibaut Courtois’ deal until 2028. Kobel could become a candidate should he leave Dortmund in a future window.

Internazionale are dealing with several developing situations. Hakan Çalhanoğlu is open to extending a contract that ends in summer 2027, although his camp has yet to receive contact from the club. Federico Dimarco’s negotiations have recently stalled, drawing interest from Manchester United and Barcelona. Inter have also sent scouts to watch Cagliari pair Alessandro Romano and Paul Mendy.

At Espanyol, the club hold an €8 million option to make Bryan Zaragoza’s loan permanent next summer. Mauro Icardi has received an offer from Olympiacos, but a move to Greece would depend on the striker reducing his salary demands.

What is scheduled next

Liverpool’s immediate decision is expected to centre on Ngumoha’s new contract and his opportunities under the first-team setup. Arsenal’s interest appears dependent on whether those opportunities develop during the season.

For Rayan, Liverpool’s monitoring is likely to continue ahead of future windows, with Bournemouth protected by a long-term contract and a release clause unavailable until 2027. Juventus are also expected to pursue Kalulu’s renewal rather than entertain a mid-season sale.

Page’s next League One performances for Leicester will be closely examined by Dortmund, Manchester United and the other Premier League clubs that have scouted him, while Real Madrid’s goalkeeping planning will be shaped by the progress of Courtois’ proposed extension.