Arsenal are currently in advanced discussions with Bayer Leverkusen about the possible acquisition of England international defender Jarell Quansah. Manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he wants to broaden his defensive options, and he regards Quansah as a valuable addition because of his ability to operate both as a centre‑back and as a right‑back. Quansah, who recently returned to the German side after a prolonged break following his debut at the World Cup – where he earned three caps for England – is now the subject of intense transfer speculation. During his first full campaign in the Bundesliga, Quansah featured in 44 matches for Leverkusen after leaving his boyhood club Liverpool in the summer of 2023.
His performances have attracted attention from several Premier League outfits, but Arsenal appear to be the most determined. The Gunners would likely need to outlay a sum well above the £30 million that Leverkusen originally paid for him last July, especially given that he still has four years left on his contract. According to German media sources, Leverkusen have not placed a price tag on Quansah and are not actively looking to sell, which could make negotiations more complex. Complicating matters further, Liverpool have inserted a buy‑back clause in Quansah’s agreement with Leverkusen, valued at roughly £59.8 million (€70 million).
This clause gives the Reds a preferential option to re‑sign the defender should they wish, adding another layer of strategic consideration for Arsenal. While Arsenal continue to monitor the situation, they are also keeping tabs on another English defender – Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa – who shares a similar skill set.
Both Quansah and Konsa are comfortable in a back‑three as well as in a traditional full‑back role, making them attractive targets for a side that needs depth at centre‑back and on the right flank. Sky Sports reports that there is a substantial valuation gap between Arsenal and Villa regarding Konsa. The Villa board would reportedly accept around £60 million for the 28‑year‑old, who still has two years remaining on his deal.
So far, Arsenal have not indicated a willingness to meet that figure, leaving the onus on the Gunners to persuade Villa to lower their asking price. Konsa missed Villa’s recent UEFA Super Cup fixture against Paris Saint‑Germain because he is still on a post‑World Cup break, which may further delay any potential move. Sam Blitz of Sky Sports highlighted Arsenal’s defensive concerns, noting that a long‑term injury to William Saliba has left a void at centre‑back, while the right‑back position remains a weak spot.
Jurrien Timber is still battling a persistent groin problem that has limited his involvement since March, and Ben White’s injury record has been less than ideal. In the Champions League final loss, Arsenal were forced to deploy Cristhian Mosquera at right‑back, a move that resulted in a penalty concession in Budapest. These circumstances explain why Arsenal are actively scouting for replacements who can plug both gaps.
Quansah, at 23, offers a more economical long‑term solution compared with the 28‑year‑old Konsa. Primarily a centre‑back, Quansah was also deployed on the right side of a back three for Leverkusen last season, a versatility that caught the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who selected him as a right‑back option for the national team – even over Trent Alexander‑Arnold at times. An analysis of his passing map at Leverkusen shows he frequently occupied the traditional right‑back zone, suggesting he could comfortably transition into a full‑back role at Arsenal if required.
Should Saliba regain full fitness and resume his partnership with Gabriel Jesus in central defence, Quansah would still have a realistic chance to compete for a place, perhaps as a right‑back. However, Arsenal’s full‑back duties differ from the conventional role. Players such as Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are often asked to invert and drift inside the midfield, sometimes operating almost as auxiliary centre‑forwards. In contrast, Arteta has also demonstrated a willingness to employ more defensively disciplined full‑backs, as seen with former Leverkusen midfielder Piero Hincapié, who thrived in a more traditional defensive system.
Beyond the immediate transfer talk, Arsenal’s upcoming schedule offers context for why strengthening the back line is urgent. The Gunners open the season with the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16 in Cardiff, followed by a Premier League home clash with Coventry on August 21.
Their first league away game comes against Aston Villa on August 31, then a home fixture versus Chelsea on September 6, an away match at Sunderland on September 12, and another away contest against Brighton on September 19. A solid defensive foundation will be essential to navigate this early run of fixtures.
In summary, Arsenal are actively pursuing Jarell Quansah, recognizing his dual‑position capability and his relatively modest age and price compared with other options. While Bayer Leverkusen are not eager to sell and Liverpool retain a buy‑back clause, the Gunners appear prepared to make a serious offer. Simultaneously, they are monitoring Ezri Konsa, though the financial gap remains a hurdle. With several key defenders sidelined and a congested early‑season calendar, Arsenal’s recruitment strategy is focused on adding depth, versatility, and long‑term stability to a defence that has shown vulnerability in recent high‑profile matches.