**Arsenal transfer target Jarell Quansah is “keen on a return to England”, according to reports.**
[_The Sun_](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/40058386/arsenal-jarell-quansah-transfer-leverkusen/) claim that the Gunners have held “talks” about signing the England international from Bayer Leverkusen, and the defender is open to the idea.
Quansah was sold by Liverpool in a deal worth up to £35m in July last year, and it is believed that Leverkusen would demand more than that figure to offload him this summer.
However, the 23-year-old could still be cheaper than Arsenal’s other target, Ezri Konsa, with Aston Villa not willing to back down on their £60m valuation.
Liverpool had a buyback option on Quansah
-----------------------------------------
One slight complication is that the centre-back’s former club did have a buyback clause reportedly worth €80m (£68.3m).
The Merseysiders can’t trigger it now as it has expired, and they have also only recently recruited another centre-half – Ronald Araujo from Barcelona – on loan.
Even so, that figure could pose problems for Arsenal. Leverkusen may point to that price when setting out their demands in negotiations.
Why are Arsenal keen on signing the defender?
---------------------------------------------
Injuries to both William Saliba (back) and Jurrien Timber (groin) have prompted a search for a centre-half/right-back hybrid. Manager Mikel Arteta wants someone who can fill in for both players while they are on the treatment table.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has looked at several candidates – the aforementioned Konsa, as well as Atletico Madrid’s [**Marc Pubill**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-transfer-news-marc-pubill/) – but there have been issues finding a suitable candidate who is available for the right price.
It remains to be seen whether Quansah is affordable, considering the factors we’ve mentioned above. There is a good chance that Leverkusen will demand top dollar, knowing they could still get a call from Liverpool in the future, but relations between Arsenal and the Bundesliga side are good. Piero Hincapie’s loan move last year shows they are willing to make deals under the right circumstances.