Arsenal have opened negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal for England defender Jarell Quansah, according to Sky Sports, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new season.
The Gunners are understood to be searching for defensive reinforcements following injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, with Quansah emerging as one of their preferred targets.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal are currently in talks with Leverkusen over a possible transfer, although the Bundesliga club are reluctant to part with the 23-year-old after signing him from Liverpool last summer.
Quansah moved to Germany in 2025 for an initial fee of around £30 million and enjoyed a strong first season with Leverkusen. His performances also helped him establish himself on the international stage, with the defender included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
ARSENAL‘s interest is understood to be driven partly by Quansah’s versatility. Primarily a centre-back, he can also operate at right-back, giving Arteta additional flexibility as he manages a growing list of defensive concerns.
Saliba is expected to miss the start of the campaign because of injury, while Timber is also unavailable. Arsenal therefore face the prospect of beginning the season with limited options in central defence, increasing the urgency of their search for reinforcements.
Quansah’s ability to cover for Saliba is viewed as particularly attractive to Arsenal, while his capacity to play on the right could provide further cover in a position where the club have also faced fitness concerns.
However, a deal is not expected to be straightforward. Leverkusen do not want to sell the defender and are likely to demand significantly more than the fee they paid Liverpool last summer. Reports have suggested Quansah could command a fee in the region of €50 million (£43 million), although the final valuation remains unclear.
ARSENAL had also been pursuing Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa but have reportedly struggled to agree a deal, prompting the club to explore alternative options.
Quansah’s potential move would represent a significant change for the defender only a year after leaving Liverpool. However, his age, Premier League experience, international status and versatility make him an appealing option for Arteta
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