David Ornstein confirms Arsenal plotting shock move for £70m Liverpool target
Liverpool are expected to make a few changes to their squad between now and the end of the summer transfer window.
The Reds have already signed Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz and remain locked in talks to sign Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG.
In terms of their backline, however, it appears likely that their recruitment is done after Araujo’s loan arrival.
However, Jarell Quansah has emerged as a topic of discussion as Liverpool have the option to re-sign him for £70m this summer, while that figure drops to £52m in the summer of 2027.
And now, Sky Sports and David Ornstein claim Arsenal are plotting a shock move for the England international.
Arsenal considering Liverpool target Jarell Quansah
Arsenal and Liverpool were also credited with an interest in Ezri Konsa, who both teams view as a versatile option who can play at right back and in central defence.
Quansah falls in the same category and has now emerged as an option for the Gunners, who are on the lookout for a defender after William Saliba’s injury lay-off was confirmed last month.
🚨 Arsenal interested in Jarell Quansah as consider options for defence. #Bayer04 do not want to sell 23yo & #LFC’s €70m buy-back option expired so no pressure. England int’l open to #AFC possibility if situation evolves @TheAthleticFC post @RobDorsettSky https://t.co/l79ui4iPYh
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 14, 2026
It doesn’t look like Liverpool will make a move this summer. That said, they have high hopes for Quansah and inserted a buyback clause in the hope that he could be Virgil van Dijk’s heir at Anfield.
Araujo’s move is just a loan and unless he sets the world alight, it doesn’t look like his deal will be made permanent.
Arsenal’s interest has thrown a spanner in the works of Liverpool’s plans for Quansah. And if the Gunners actually make a move for him, it remains to be seen if the Reds react.
Ornstein’s report also confirms two things: Liverpool’s buy-back clause for this summer has expired and that the player is open to a move to Arsenal if Leverkusen agree to sell him.
Interesting times, to say the least…
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