Arsenal have turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen and England defender Jarell Quansah as they prepare for the start of their Premier League title defence next weekend. The club will be without centre‑back William Saliba, who has been ruled out for an extended period after a back injury at the World Cup, and right‑back Jurrien Timber, who has struggled with ankle problems.

Liverpool retain the option to match any offer for Quansah, a clause that was part of the deal that saw him leave Anfield for the Bundesliga club last year, but the club has expressed no intention of exercising it. The decision leaves Arsenal free to pursue the defender without a bidding war.

Quansah was a key member of England’s squad that reached the semi‑finals of the World Cup. He started three matches at right‑back, but a red card in the last‑16 clash against Mexico forced him to miss the quarters and the semi‑final against Argentina.

Last season, the 24‑year‑old made 44 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 5 goals, showcasing the attacking threat he brings from the back line.