Arsenal are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over England defender Jarell Quansah. Mikel Arteta wants defensive depth, seeing the 23‑year‑old as a versatile centre‑back and right‑back. Quansah recently returned to Leverkusen after the World Cup, where he made three England appearances.

The German club paid £30m last July and retain a buy‑back clause worth around £59.8m (€70m). Leverkusen are reluctant to sell, impressed by his Bundesliga form and maturity. Arsenal would need to exceed that fee, with four years left on his contract.

Arsenal also monitor Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, another England defender who can play both sides of the back line. Villa demand about £60m, a valuation Arsenal have not matched. Meanwhile, injuries to William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Ben White highlight Arsenal’s defensive gaps, making Quansah an attractive long‑term option.

Analysis suggests Quansah’s ability to operate as a right‑back, honed in a back three at Leverkusen, fits Arteta’s system. His pass patterns show comfort in the right‑back slot, offering competition once Saliba returns. The club’s pursuit balances immediate need with future stability.