Arsenal are reportedly in advanced discussions with German side Bayer Leverkusen about the possible acquisition of England international defender Jarell Quansah. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed a clear desire to broaden his defensive options, and he views Quansah as an ideal candidate because of the young centre‑back's ability to also operate effectively at right‑back.
Quansah, who has just returned to Leverkusen after a brief hiatus following his debut at the World Cup, featured in three matches for England during the tournament. His performances on the world stage have only heightened interest in him from clubs looking for a versatile, modern defender.
During his first full season in the Bundesliga, Quansah made 44 appearances for Leverkusen, a remarkable tally for a player who left his boyhood club Liverpool only last summer. The defender’s rapid adaptation to German football and his consistent displays have made him a key figure in the Leverkusen back line.
Arsenal’s interest comes at a time when the Gunners are seeking to shore up a defence that has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent form. With William Saliba currently sidelined, and other regulars such as Jurrien Timber and Ben White battling fitness issues, Arteta is looking for reliable cover at both centre‑back and full‑back positions. Financially, Arsenal would likely need to outbid the £30 million fee that Leverkusen paid for Quansah in July of last year. The German club still have four years left on his contract, which gives them considerable leverage in any negotiation.
Moreover, Leverkusen have publicly stated that they do not see Quansah as a saleable asset at this stage, according to reports from Sky in Germany. Complicating matters further, Liverpool have retained a buy‑back clause in Quansah’s contract, reportedly valued at around £59.8 million (€70 million). This clause could potentially be triggered if the defender’s market value rises dramatically, adding another layer of complexity to any transfer saga.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Quansah is not occurring in isolation. The club is also monitoring Aston Villa’s centre‑back Ezri Konsa, another England‑qualified defender who can play across the back line.
Both players share a similar profile, offering the flexibility to slot in at right‑back or centre‑back as required. However, there appears to be a substantial valuation gap between Arsenal and Villa.
Sources say Villa would demand roughly £60 million for Konsa, who still has two years remaining on his deal. So far, Arsenal have not indicated a willingness to meet that figure, leaving the negotiation largely in Villa’s court.
Konsa was absent from Villa’s squad for the recent UEFA Super Cup clash with Paris Saint‑Germain, as he continues his post‑World Cup holiday. This absence has only underscored Arsenal’s urgency to find a reliable backup for the defensive positions. Sam Blitz of Sky Sports highlighted the depth of Arsenal’s defensive problems: with Saliba out, there is a clear need for a centre‑back, but the right‑back slot is also a concern.
Timber is still recovering from a lingering groin injury that has limited his involvement since March, while Ben White’s injury history remains a worry. In the Champions League final, Cristhian Mosquera was forced to start at right‑back, a role that proved uncomfortable and even resulted in a penalty concession in Budapest. Given these circumstances, Quansah presents a compelling long‑term solution. At 23, he offers both youth and experience, having already earned three caps for England and proven himself in a top European league.
While Konsa is a solid 28‑year‑old option, his higher price tag and age make Quansah a more attractive prospect for a club looking to build a defensive foundation for the future. Originally a centre‑back at Liverpool, Quansah was deployed on the right side of a back three during his tenure at Leverkusen.
This tactical flexibility caught the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who selected him as a right‑back alternative for the national team this summer, even over established Premier League regular Trent Alexander‑Arnold. An analysis of Quansah’s passing map at Leverkusen shows that he frequently occupied the traditional right‑back zone, indicating comfort in that area of the pitch. If Saliba returns to full fitness and resumes his partnership with Gabriel, Quansah would likely compete for a spot at right‑back, a position that differs markedly from the conventional full‑back role at Arsenal.
Arteta’s current system often requires full‑backs such as Timber and Riccardo Calafiori to invert and drift inside, sometimes functioning almost as auxiliary centre‑forwards. In contrast, Arteta has previously employed more defensively disciplined full‑backs, as demonstrated with former Leverkusen player Piero Hincapié, suggesting that a player like Quansah could be integrated successfully. Beyond the immediate defensive concerns, signing Quansah would align with Arsenal’s broader strategic objectives.
The club aims to assemble a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts—Premier League, domestic cups, and European competition—while also maintaining a sustainable wage structure. Quansah’s age, versatility, and experience in both the Bundesliga and international football make him a valuable asset in that regard. In summary, Arsenal’s pursuit of Jarell Quansah reflects a calculated attempt to address several defensive shortcomings simultaneously. The club must navigate a potentially costly negotiation with Bayer Leverkusen, who are reluctant to part with a player they view as integral to their plans and who have a buy‑back clause favoring Liverpool.
At the same time, Arsenal are weighing the option of acquiring Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, though the price disparity makes Quansah the more financially viable and forward‑looking choice. As the transfer window progresses, the Gunners’ ability to secure a versatile defender like Quansah could prove pivotal in shaping their defensive stability for the upcoming season and beyond.