Arsenal are currently in advanced discussions with German side Bayer Leverkusen about the possible acquisition of England centre‑back Jarell Quansah. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed a clear desire to broaden his defensive options, and he regards Quansah as an ideal fit because of the young defender’s ability to operate both as a centre‑back and as a right‑back.
Quansah recently returned to Leverkusen after taking a prolonged break following his debut at the World Cup, where he earned three caps for the Three Lions. In his first full season in the Bundesliga he featured in 44 matches, having left his boyhood club Liverpool in the summer of 2022. The defender’s contract still contains four years, which means Arsenal would likely need to outlay a sum well above the £30 million that Leverkusen originally paid for him last July in order to secure his services. According to German media outlet Sky, Leverkusen do not view Quansah as a player they are prepared to sell at this stage.
Moreover, Liverpool have inserted a buy‑back clause into the deal that sent Quansah to Germany, valuing the option at roughly £59.8 million (about €70 million). This clause could complicate any future negotiations, as it gives Liverpool a preferential right to re‑acquire the defender should Arsenal succeed in their bid. Arsenal’s interest is not limited to Quansah.
The club is also monitoring Aston Villa’s centre‑back Ezri Konsa, who is also an England international and shares a similar positional profile – capable of playing at right‑back as well as in the heart of defence. Sky Sports reports that Villa’s asking price for the 28‑year‑old is around £60 million, reflecting the two‑year term left on his contract. So far, Arsenal have not indicated a willingness to meet that valuation, leaving the decision in the Gunners’ hands to persuade Villa to part with the player.
Konsa missed Villa’s recent UEFA Super Cup appearance against Paris Saint‑Germain because he is still on a post‑World Cup holiday, which may give Arsenal a brief window to act before the defender returns to full training. Sam Blitz of Sky Sports highlighted the urgency of Arsenal’s defensive recruitment. With William Saliba sidelined through injury, the Gunners lack depth at centre‑back, and the right‑back position has also been exposed. Jurrien Timber is still recovering from a lingering groin problem that has kept him out for much of the season, while Ben White’s injury record remains inconsistent.
In the Champions League final loss in Budapest, Arsenal were forced to start Cristhian Mosquera – a natural centre‑back – at right‑back, a decision that resulted in a penalty concession. Given these circumstances, Arsenal see both Quansah and Konsa as potential solutions. Quansah, at 23, offers a longer‑term prospect and can fill both the centre‑back vacancy left by Saliba and the right‑back gap caused by Timber’s and White’s absences.
Konsa, at 28, provides a more immediate, experienced option but comes with a higher price tag. Quansah’s playing style supports Arteta’s tactical flexibility.
Although primarily a centre‑back, he spent much of last season on the right side of Leverkusen’s back three, a role that earned him a call‑up as a right‑back for England under Gareth Southgate – even overtaking Trent Alexander‑Arnold in the selection hierarchy. His passing heat map at Leverkusen shows a tendency to occupy the traditional right‑back lane, meaning he would be comfortable slotting into Arteta’s system should Saliba return to full fitness and partner Gabriel Jesus (note: Gabriel Martinelli) in central defence.
Arsenal’s full‑back responsibilities differ from the conventional Bundesliga model. Both Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are often asked to invert into central midfield zones, sometimes acting almost as hybrid centre‑forwards. However, Arteta has previously demonstrated that he can also employ more defensively‑oriented full‑backs, as seen with former Leverkusen player Piero Hincapié, who thrived in a more traditional defensive role under the Gunners.
The transfer window remains open, and Arsenal will need to balance their budget against the competing demands of securing a young, versatile defender like Quansah, possibly paying a premium over Leverkusen’s original outlay, while also evaluating whether to meet Villa’s valuation for Konsa. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly shape Arsenal’s defensive stability for the upcoming Premier League campaign, which includes fixtures against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Coventry, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Sunderland, and Brighton in the early months of the season. In summary, Arsenal are actively pursuing Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen, with the aim of bolstering both centre‑back and right‑back options. While Leverkusen have indicated that the player is not for sale and Liverpool retain a substantial buy‑back clause, the Gunners remain determined to find a solution that strengthens their back line ahead of a busy schedule of domestic and European matches.