Arsenal have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal for England defender Jarell Quansah as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defensive options.
The Gunners have identified the 23-year-old as an attractive option because of his ability to operate both at centre-back and right-back. Arsenal’s interest comes with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber currently sidelined by injuries.
Quansah only moved to Germany last summer after making the difficult decision to leave boyhood club Liverpool in search of a new challenge and more regular football.
Leverkusen agreed a deal worth up to £35 million for the defender in July 2025, although the initial guaranteed fee was around £30 million. He signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga club.
His first season in Germany proved successful.
Quansah made 44 appearances for Leverkusen and impressed with both his performances and the way he adapted to life in the Bundesliga. His progress also earned him a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he made three appearances.
He has now returned to Leverkusen following an extended break after the tournament.
However, persuading the German club to sell him could prove difficult for Arsenal.
Leverkusen do not want to lose Quansah after only one season and are in a strong negotiating position. The England international still has four years remaining on the contract he signed when leaving Anfield.
The Guardian reports that Leverkusen value Quansah at around €50 million (£43 million), meaning Arsenal would have to pay considerably more than the fee the Bundesliga side invested in him last summer.
The transfer would also represent a quick return to the Premier League for a player who came through Liverpool’s academy.
Quansah made 58 senior appearances for Liverpool before moving to Germany. His departure formed part of significant transfer business between Liverpool and Leverkusen during the summer of 2025.
Arsenal’s interest is partly driven by their current defensive situation. Saliba is dealing with a back problem, while Timber has been struggling with a groin injury, leaving Arteta keen to add another versatile defender before the transfer window closes.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa has also been considered. However, Arsenal have so far been unable to reach an agreement for the England international, increasing the focus on Quansah as another potential solution.
Whether Leverkusen can be persuaded to negotiate remains the major question.
Quansah’s age, England experience and ability to cover two defensive positions make him an appealing target for Arteta, but Arsenal may have to make a substantial offer to convince Leverkusen to part with one of their standout performers after just 12 months.
