Journalist: Arsenal and Chelsea considering shock move to sign Liverpool wonderkid | OneFootball

Premier League Rivals Eyeing Shock Move for Liverpool Wonderkid

Liverpool’s academy has become a production line of high level talent and the latest youngster attracting national attention is 15 year old winger Joshua Abe. According to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, several elite clubs have been monitoring his progress closely and one youth football expert has already labelled him “the best of his age group across the country.” For a club that has made smart youth development a core part of its planning, the possibility of losing such a gifted prospect has naturally raised concern.

Growing Reputation Of A Standout Winger

Abe’s reputation has accelerated fast. The Daily Mail highlights his impact for Liverpool’s Under 18s, where he has already delivered four goal contributions in five appearances despite being significantly younger than many teammates and opponents. His style, described as built on direct one on one dribbling, has made him one of the most watchable academy players on Merseyside.

The online talent spotter Secret Scout has added further weight to the hype, declaring on social media, “In my opinion Abe is the BEST winger in the country at this age.” When such accounts speak publicly, clubs listen. Liverpool have seen this before with Rio Ngumoha, who famously delivered a late winner at Newcastle at just 16 years old. He had been taken from Chelsea in 2024, a deal that caused such tension that Chelsea banned Liverpool scouts from Cobham.

One insider quoted in the report described Chelsea’s renewed interest in Liverpool’s youth ranks as “a revenge mission”. Although discussions are not advanced, the fact that two of England’s biggest clubs are circling reinforces Abe’s status.

Why Arsenal And Chelsea Are Watching Closely

As Lewis Steele’s piece notes, Arsenal are keeping close tabs on the winger and the involvement of his father, a lifelong Gunners supporter, could play a part in future decisions. Losing a talent of this scale would be a blow for Liverpool, especially with Abe yet to sign scholarship terms.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both aggressively targeted emerging players in recent years and the age band around 14 to 16 has become a competitive battleground. Liverpool themselves have benefitted from this landscape, with Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni both arriving from other academies.

Liverpool’s Academy Pathway Under The Spotlight

No one at Kirkby is expecting Abe to break into senior football immediately, but those around the system recognise his ceiling. The original report stresses that he is “one of the most exciting talents on the club’s books”. He has already featured for England’s youth sides and has made his debut for Liverpool’s Under 21s, further evidence of how rapidly he is progressing.

The challenge for Liverpool is maintaining clarity in the pathway. Under Arne Slot, the club’s strategy remains aligned with giving elite youth players a clear route towards first team involvement. Recruiting, developing, and retaining top prospects is essential and Abe’s case is another reminder of the competitive realities of modern academy football. Liverpool know what they have, and so do their rivals.

Our View, Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, this report triggers that familiar knot in the stomach, the one fans feel whenever a gifted teenager suddenly becomes the talk of other big clubs. Joshua Abe looks special and supporters know how important it is to keep hold of talents who fit the modern Liverpool blueprint. The concern is simple, if Abe’s father being a lifelong Arsenal fan holds any weight, then the club are immediately working from behind. Arsenal have a strong record of integrating youth and the idea of losing a prodigy because another club promises a quicker route will frustrate many.

Fans will also connect this situation with memories of players slipping away in the past. While Ngumoha came the other direction and Nyoni settled quickly, there have been cases where Liverpool missed out or saw stars enticed elsewhere. Supporters respect that poaching is part of academy football, but there is a sense of vulnerability when a 15 year old shining at Under 18 and Under 21 level has not yet signed scholarship terms.