Arsenal have initiated contact with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah regarding a potential transfer, according to reports. The North London club is seeking to bolster its defensive options, particularly with William Saliba facing an extended period on the sidelines due to injury.
Despite Bayer Leverkusen's reluctance to part with the 23-year-old England international, Arsenal is understood to be exploring the parameters of a deal and has been informed that Quansah would be open to a move. The Gunners are also reportedly continuing talks for Ezri Konsa, but Aston Villa's valuation has presented a significant hurdle.
Quansah, a product of the Liverpool academy, joined Bayer Leverkusen from his boyhood club last year. Liverpool possessed a buy-back clause that has now expired and has no current plans to re-sign the player. The Anfield club's transfer priorities are focused on forward positions, with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain identified as a key target.
Quansah, who can play as a center-back or a right-back, made three appearances during the 2026 World Cup. He featured for England in the tournament held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After stepping in for the injured Reece James at right-back against Panama, he earned a starting position in the Round of 16 match against Mexico. A red card in that game for a high challenge ruled him out of the quarter-final and semi-final matches, but he returned for England's third-place playoff against France, playing 83 minutes in a 6-4 victory.
During the 2023-24 season, Quansah made four appearances in the Premier League for Liverpool. He was signed by Bayer Leverkusen last July by former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for a fee of £35 million. In his debut season in Germany, Quansah played 44 times and scored five goals as Leverkusen finished sixth in the Bundesliga. He has also earned six caps for the England national team.
Arsenal's recent pre-season form, which has seen them concede an uncharacteristic number of goals, including a 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund, has highlighted the need for defensive reinforcements following Saliba's injury.