Liverpool, Arsenal Battle for Peyton Miller as Barcelona Close In

Liverpool and Arsenal scout Peyton Miller as Barcelona lead race for New England Revolution left-back

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring New England Revolution left-back Peyton Miller, 18, after the Reds sent scouts to watch him during the USA's September/October international fixtures. However, Barcelona have already completed groundwork to sign the teenager, according to TEAMtalk.

Player: Peyton Miller, 18, left-back, New England Revolution and USA international
Clubs interested: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona
Barcelona status: Have already done work to sign Miller, defeating other clubs in the race
Contract: Recently signed a fresh long-term deal with New England Revolution until 2030
Player's stance: Happy to continue his development in MLS, but an elite European move would be difficult for the Revolution to resist
Next window: A concrete approach could come in January or next summer

Deal details

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have joined the chase for Peyton Miller and sent scouts to watch him in action for the USA during the September/October international fixtures. The report states that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona also kept a close eye on his performances for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Barcelona, however, have already done work to sign the 18-year-old, reportedly defeating other clubs in this race. New England Revolution recently tied Miller down to a fresh long-term contract until 2030 and do not want to part ways with him.

The youngster is said to be happy to continue his development in MLS. Nevertheless, if an elite European club eventually make a move, it would be difficult for New England Revolution to keep hold of him.

Why Liverpool need a left-back

Following Andrew Robertson's departure as a free agent, Liverpool currently have Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas as options to deploy in the left-back position. Kerkez came into the spotlight having displayed promising performances for AFC Bournemouth but has struggled to showcase his best at Anfield thus far.

On the other hand, Tsimikas has mainly featured as a rotational option this season and has entered the final few months of his current contract. So, it appears the Merseyside club have started exploring options to strengthen the left side of the defence.

Why Arsenal may not need Miller

Arsenal currently have Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori as left-back options. Moreover, Myles Lewis-Skelly can provide cover in this area if needed, although he is more comfortable in the engine room.

Therefore, Mikel Arteta's side don't need to invest more to add further depth to this position unless anyone leaves. Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club or the Anfield club eventually make a concrete approach to secure Miller's services in January or next summer.

Analysis: Miller is a project, not a quick fix

Peyton Miller is a talented left-back and is comfortable on both ends of the field. He possesses the potential to reach the top. Therefore, the USA international would be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Liverpool should either club purchase him.

For Liverpool, the need is more immediate. Andrew Robertson has left as a free agent, Milos Kerkez has struggled to reproduce his AFC Bournemouth form at Anfield, and Kostas Tsimikas is into the final few months of his contract. That combination creates genuine uncertainty on the left side of defence. Miller, 18, would not arrive as a finished product, but his ability to contribute in both boxes fits the modern full-back profile Liverpool have favoured under their current recruitment model.

Arsenal's interest is more about opportunity than necessity. Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori are established options, and Myles Lewis-Skelly can fill in, even if his long-term future lies in midfield. Unless a departure occurs, a move for Miller would be a depth play rather than a priority. Barcelona's groundwork may ultimately prove decisive, but the Premier League interest is real and the January window could force the issue if New England Revolution's resolve is tested.

Talking points

Liverpool's left-back situation is the most urgent of any club linked. Robertson gone, Kerkez struggling, Tsimikas out of contract soon — Miller would be a sensible long-term fix.
Arsenal's interest feels opportunistic. With Hincapié, Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly available, Mikel Arteta has no immediate need unless someone leaves the club.
Barcelona have already done work to sign Miller, which suggests the Premier League clubs may be reacting rather than leading this race.
New England Revolution's contract until 2030 gives them leverage, but MLS clubs rarely block a young player's move to an elite European side if the price is right.

What happens next

All eyes now turn to whether Liverpool or Arsenal make a concrete approach in January or next summer. Barcelona's early groundwork gives them an advantage, but Miller's performances for the USA under Mauricio Pochettino could accelerate interest. New England Revolution will hope their new contract until 2030 deters bidders, though an elite offer would be difficult to refuse.

Frequently asked questions

Are Liverpool and Arsenal interested in signing Peyton Miller?

Yes, according to TEAMtalk, both Liverpool and Arsenal are keeping a close eye on New England Revolution defender Peyton Miller. Liverpool have sent scouts to watch him for the USA.

Which clubs are also tracking Peyton Miller?

Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona have also kept a close eye on Miller's performances for Mauricio Pochettino's USA side. Barcelona have already done work to sign him.

Will Peyton Miller leave New England Revolution in January?

The report states it is unclear whether Liverpool or Arsenal will make a concrete approach in January or next summer. Miller is happy to continue his development in MLS, but an elite European club could force a move.