Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, with reports claiming the England international is open to a move to the Emirates as Mikel Arteta seeks defensive reinforcements before the summer transfer window closes.
The Gunners have been forced to reassess their defensive plans after William Saliba suffered an injury setback that is expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period. Jurrien Timber is also unavailable, leaving Arsenal short of established options at the back ahead of a demanding campaign.
Quansah has emerged as a leading candidate following an impressive first season in Germany. The 23-year-old joined Bayer Leverkusen from Liverpool last summer in a deal worth an initial £30 million and went on to make 44 appearances during his debut campaign for the Bundesliga club.
His performances have also strengthened his international credentials, with Quansah earning a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. His ability to operate both at centre-back and right-back is understood to be particularly attractive to Arsenal as Arteta looks for a player capable of providing immediate cover while offering versatility across the defensive line.
Reports indicate that Quansah would be receptive to the possibility of returning to the Premier League with ARSENAL if an agreement can be reached. Arsenal have made their interest known, although the precise stage of negotiations has been reported differently, with some outlets saying talks have begun between the clubs while others indicate Leverkusen have yet to receive a formal approach.
The major obstacle is expected to be Leverkusen’s stance. The German club are reluctant to sell a player who only arrived last summer and have reportedly placed a valuation of around €50 million (£43 million) on the defender. Sky Sports similarly reports that Leverkusen do not want to lose Quansah and would demand considerably more than the fee they paid Liverpool.
Arsenal had previously explored a move for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, but negotiations over his valuation have proved difficult. Quansah therefore represents an alternative who could provide both short-term cover and a longer-term option for Arteta.
For ARSENAL, the priority is ensuring their defensive depth is strong enough to cope with Saliba’s absence while continuing to compete on multiple fronts. Quansah’s Premier League experience, development at Leverkusen and versatility make him an appealing solution.
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