Arsenal v Nottingham Forest Premier League 12/08/2023. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (m) in the technical area during the
Arsenal v Nottingham Forest Premier League 12/08/2023. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (m) in the technical area during the
Arsenal’s pre-season is over, and the reigning Premier League champions kick off the new campaign at home to Coventry on August 21. Before then, they will face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley. The Gunners have been fairly quiet in this transfer window, but according to David Ornstein, they are interested in Bayer Leverkusen and England international defender Jarell Quansah.
Mikel Arteta Discusses Arsenal Transfer Plans
The Gunners Target Jarell Quansah
William Saliba, Arsenal’s first-choice central defender, is set to be out of action for an extended period, so the interest in Quansah should not be a surprise to anyone. The England international was at Liverpool, who sold him to Leverkusen with a £59 million buy-back option in place, which has now expired, meaning the German club are under no pressure to sell.
So far this summer, the Gunners have signed Illan Meslier to strengthen their goalkeeping depth, while Piero Hincapie has been signed permanently after impressing on loan. Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis are the statement signings so far this summer.
Read More: Top Five Greatest Manager Rants
After the final preseason match vs Como, Arteta was asked about the club’s transfer plans for the remainder of the window:
“There is more that we want to do, because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth, we need to do that. We’re actively trying to do so – the thing is, in the market, it doesn’t just depend on you, and we’re very clear on that. The will and the desire of the club is unquestionable, but we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us,” said Arteta.
Discussing the difficulties in bringing in the right players, he said:
“That’s the demand, isn’t it – for the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring more quality to the club. But again, we’re actively looking to improve that, and we’re going to try.”
Arsenal Identify Quansah
It appears the two clubs have yet to begin talks over a potential transfer, but the England international is reportedly open to a potential move to the Emirates, should a deal progress.
With Saliba out injured, it appears central defence is a focus area for Arteta, with the Gunners also showing an interest in Ezri Konsa. However, a deal for the Aston Villa defender looks a way off, with both clubs said to be a long way off on their respective valuations.
*Read More:*Greatest Footballers of All Time: Pre World War One
Quansah made 58 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, scoring three goals, before his move to the Bundesliga. In Germany, Quansah has made 44 appearances and scored five goals, helping his team to finish sixth in the Bundesliga.
This looks like early days in this potential deal; however, the nugget that Quansah is open to the move should give Arsenal all the encouragement they need.
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO/Simon Traylen