Arsenal have opened discussions with German side Bayer Leverkusen about the possible acquisition of England international defender Jarell Quansah. Manager Mikel Arteta is eager to broaden his defensive roster and regards Quansah as a valuable addition because of his ability to operate both as a centre‑back and as a right‑back. Quansah recently rejoined Leverkusen after a lengthy hiatus following his World Cup debut, where he featured in three matches for the Three Lions. In his inaugural campaign in the Bundesliga he amassed 44 appearances after opting to leave his boyhood club Liverpool during the previous summer.
Leverkusen appear reluctant to part with the 23‑year‑old, having been impressed by his performances in the German top flight and by the professionalism he has shown while adapting to life in Cologne. With four years still remaining on his contract, Arsenal would likely have to outbid the roughly £30 million that the German club paid for him last July if they hope to secure his services. The timing of the potential move is significant for Arsenal.
Their first‑choice centre‑back William Saliba is currently sidelined with injury, creating an urgent need for cover in the heart of defence. The problem is not limited to the centre‑back position; the right‑back spot has also been a persistent weak point.
Jurrien Timber is still recovering from a groin issue that has kept him out for most of the season, and Ben White’s injury history has not been reassuring. In the recent Champions League final, Arsenal were forced to deploy Cristhian Mosquera at right‑back, a role he was not accustomed to, and he ended up conceding a penalty in Budapest. Because of these defensive shortages, Arsenal have also shown interest in Aston Villa centre‑back Ezri Konsa, but the Villans’ asking price for the 28‑year‑old is considered prohibitive. By contrast, Quansah, who is also an England international, could fill both the centre‑back and right‑back vacancies and may represent a more cost‑effective long‑term solution.
Although primarily a centre‑back, Quansah spent much of last season playing on the right side of a back three for Leverkusen. This versatility caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel, who selected him as one of his right‑back options for England during the summer, effectively choosing him over the more established Trent Alexander‑Arnold.
An analysis of Quansah’s passing map at Leverkusen shows that he frequently occupied the traditional right‑back zone, indicating that he is comfortable in that role. If Saliba returns to full fitness and partners Gabriel Jesus (now playing as a centre‑back under Arteta’s system), Quansah would still have a realistic chance to compete for a place, possibly as a right‑back. However, Arsenal’s interpretation of the full‑back position differs from the conventional model. Both Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are often asked to invert, drifting into central areas and at times functioning almost as hybrid centre‑forwards.
This tactical nuance means that a traditional defensive full‑back might not fit seamlessly into Arteta’s current setup. Nevertheless, Arteta has previously demonstrated an ability to integrate more defensively‑oriented full‑backs, as seen with former Leverkusen player Piero Hincapié, who was used effectively in a more conservative role.
This suggests that Quansah could be moulded to suit Arsenal’s tactical demands, whether as a conventional right‑back or as a ball‑playing centre‑back who can step into wider areas when required. Beyond the immediate defensive concerns, the potential signing of Quansah aligns with Arsenal’s broader transfer strategy, which aims to secure young, adaptable players with high resale value.
At 23, Quansah still has considerable room for development, and his experience in both the Premier League (with Liverpool) and the Bundesliga positions him as a player who can adapt quickly to the pace and physicality of English football. Financially, Arsenal will need to negotiate a fee that exceeds Leverkusen’s original outlay, potentially reaching the £40‑£45 million range, depending on contract clauses and performance bonuses.
The club’s willingness to meet this valuation will likely be influenced by the urgency of reinforcing the back line before the season’s fixtures intensify. The upcoming schedule underscores the need for defensive depth. Arsenal’s preseason calendar includes a Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 16 in Cardiff, followed by Premier League fixtures against Coventry (August 21), Aston Villa (August 31), Chelsea (September 6), Sunderland (September 12), and Brighton (September 19).
With a congested early season and the risk of further injuries, securing a player of Quansay’s calibre could prove decisive. In summary, Arsenal’s pursuit of Jarell Quansah reflects a strategic effort to address multiple defensive gaps with a single, versatile signing. Should the negotiations succeed, the club would acquire a young, England‑capped defender capable of playing across the back line, thereby enhancing squad depth and providing tactical flexibility for Arteta’s evolving system.