Arsenal have shown interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, with initial discussions underway. Reports indicate that a transfer for the 23-year-old could be feasible.
The interest comes as Arsenal continue negotiations with Aston Villa over defender Ezri Konsa. Villa are seeking around £60m for the 28-year-old, while Arsenal value him at approximately £40m.
Quansah fits the profile Arsenal are looking for, as he can play both centre-back and right-back. However, it is unclear whether the interest in the former Liverpool player is linked to their pursuit of Konsa, who is also Quansah’s England teammate.
Arsenal’s interest in Jarell Quansah
Arsenal’s interest comes amid defensive concerns ahead of their Premier League title campaign. William Saliba will miss the opening match against promoted Coventry City after being sidelined for an extended period due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup.
Jurrien Timber is also facing a fitness battle after the Netherlands right-back missed two months towards the end of last season with an ankle issue. His situation adds to Arsenal’s defensive worries before the new season begins.
Quansah’s versatility across defence makes him an attractive option for the Gunners. However, Arsenal have not moved beyond initial talks regarding the 23-year-old.
Jarell Quansah transfer and Liverpool clause
Liverpool retain a clause to match any offer for Quansah under the terms of the deal that took him from Anfield to Bayer Leverkusen last year. However, it is understood that the Premier League club have no plans to trigger that option.
Quansah joined {storation_team tid=3 text=”Liverpool”} from the Bundesliga side last year and made 44 appearances for Leverkusen during the previous season, scoring five goals in that period.
His performances earned him a spot in England’s World Cup squad this summer. He featured in three matches at the tournament, playing as a right-back in each game.
England’s World Cup and Quansah’s impact
Quansah’s World Cup ended early after he was sent off in England’s last-16 match against Mexico. The red card ruled him out of the quarter-final win over Norway and the semi-final loss to Argentina.
Despite the early exit from the tournament, Quansah was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals. His ability to cover multiple defensive roles remains a key factor in Arsenal’s interest.
For now, Arsenal’s talks over Quansah are still in the early stages, while the club continue to assess their defensive options and work on a potential deal for Konsa.