Report: Chelsea set for Rio Ngumoha 'revenge mission' to poach Liverpool youngster dubbed the best in the country

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Chelsea have seemingly never quite forgiven Liverpool for their move to sign Rio Ngumoha in 2024.The Reds took advantage of Ngumoha’s unhappiness with his boyhood club, swooping in to sign the youngster as he turned 16.There were subsequent reports that Chelsea banned Liverpool scouts from their youth games in an attempt to punish the Reds for what they saw as an underhand approach.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. The 17-year-old is one of English football’s most impressive prospects.But revenge is a dish best served cold, and it seems that having waited for their moment, Chelsea are ready to strike back at Liverpool more than one year later.According to The Daily Mail, the West London side are ready to make a play to sign outstanding Liverpool academy talent Josh Abe.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesLiverpool could lose Josh Abe to Chelsea or ArsenalAs Rousing The Kop noted back in September, Abe has been impressing onlookers this season, featuring sporadically for the U18s despite being only 15.The teenager’s talent has seemingly not gone unnoticed outside of Liverpool as well.READ MORE: Liverpool name their one condition to loan Trey Nyoni as multiple clubs begin to circle Who will win Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest on Saturday?

Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images According to The Mail, the Reds are having to contend with interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea in Abe, who is yet to sign scholarship terms at Anfield.Chelsea’s interest is the most notable, with their plans described as being a ‘revenge mission’ in direct retaliation to Ngumoha’s move the other way last year.Arsenal are named as ones to watch as well, given Abe’s father is reportedly an Arsenal fan, a fact which could influence his son’s decision.The 15-year-old is said to be thought of as one of the most exciting players within the Liverpool academy, and is described ‘the BEST winger in the country at this age’ by online academy expert ‘Secret Scout.’A move away from Liverpool is not claimed to be advanced for Abe at this stage, but the Reds are coming under mounting pressure for his signature.Liverpool must keep hold of Josh AbeThere are seemingly plenty of similarities between Ngumoha and Abe. Who is the most talented youngster in the Liverpool academy?

Given Ngumoha’s pathway to the first team since his arrival at Liverpool, Abe would do well to look at the older boy as an inspiration.If he focuses on his football and is able to shine at youth level, he will soon be given a chance in the senior team. Liverpool have proven that with young players time and again in recent years.The Reds must now lean on that in order to keep Abe from jumping ship.