Arsenal are pursuing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah as cover for injured defenders William Saliba and Jurriën Timber, who will miss the start of the 2026/27 season [1]. The 23-year-old Quansah, who can play centre-back and right-back, moved from Liverpool to Leverkusen last summer for about £30 million on a five-year contract [2, 1, 3].
Discussions between Arsenal and Leverkusen are at an exploratory or early stage. No direct talks have been confirmed, with interest reportedly investigated through intermediaries [2, 3]. Leverkusen are reluctant to sell Quansah and want at least €50 million (£43 million), although this valuation is not unanimously confirmed [1, 3]. Arsenal may face a higher asking price than their current bids.
Arsenal’s preferred defensive target remains Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, who is valued by Villa at around £60 million. Arsenal have made offers near £30 million, which have been rejected. The club values Konsa closer to £40 million, creating a gap in transfer negotiations [2, 1, 3]. Such difficulties have increased Arsenal’s focus on Quansah as an alternative.
Quansah featured for England at the 2026 World Cup, starting three matches at right-back. He was sent off in the round-of-16 defeat against Mexico [2, 1, 3]. Liverpool’s buyback option on Quansah has now expired, allowing Leverkusen to set their own price [1].
Manager Mikel Arteta said Jurriën Timber is progressing but still weeks away from returning, reinforcing the need to strengthen defense [1]. Arsenal may also consider selling forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to raise funds for new signings [1].
The transfer developments come in August 2026 as Arsenal intensify efforts to reinforce their backline ahead of the new Premier League season [2, 1, 3].
