Bolatito Olayiwola
Arsenal have opened discussions with Bayer Leverkusen over a possible move for England international defender Jarell Quansah as the club looks to strengthen its defence ahead of the new season.
Quansah, 23, joined Leverkusen from Liverpool last summer and has quickly established himself as an important defensive option for the German club.
Arsenal’s interest comes amid injury concerns involving key defenders William Saliba and Jurriën Timber, leaving manager Mikel Arteta looking to add more depth to his defensive options.
Reports indicate that Arsenal have begun exploratory talks with Leverkusen regarding a potential transfer, although the German club is currently reluctant to allow the defender to leave.
Quansah moved to Leverkusen from Liverpool in 2025 in a deal worth an initial £30 million, with additional payments potentially taking the total fee higher. He subsequently signed a long-term contract with the Bundesliga club.
The centre-back’s performances since moving to Germany have strengthened his reputation and earned him recognition at international level with England.
Arsenal are believed to be considering several defensive options as they prepare for the new campaign, with Quansah emerging as one of the players on their shortlist.
The potential transfer could also have implications for Liverpool, who reportedly retained contractual rights over Quansah when he left Anfield. If Leverkusen eventually decide to sell, Liverpool could have an opportunity to match an offer under the terms of the agreement.
However, no agreement has been reached between Arsenal and Leverkusen at this stage, and the German club’s current position is that Quansah is not actively for sale.
Arsenal’s pursuit of the defender is expected to depend on negotiations in the coming days, with the Gunners continuing to assess their options as they seek to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes.
For now, Quansah remains a Bayer Leverkusen player, while Arsenal’s interest in the former Liverpool defender continues to develop.
