English Premier League
Arsenal shortlist England defender Jarell Quansah for summer transfer
Arsenal have added Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah to their shortlist as they consider options to strengthen their defence during the summer transfer window.
Sources have told ESPN that the north London club are exploring the possibility of signing the England international, although there have been no direct discussions between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen at this stage.
Arsenal have, however, investigated the potential for a deal through intermediaries as they assess their defensive targets. Quansah is understood to be one of the alternatives being considered by the club as it weighs up the best way to reinforce the squad.
Bayer Leverkusen are expected to be reluctant to sell the 23-year-old, having signed him from Liverpool only last summer. The German club paid £30m for the defender, a figure equivalent to $40.6m.
It remains unclear how much Arsenal would be prepared to offer for Quansah. Any significant difference between the valuation placed on the player by Bayer Leverkusen and the London club’s assessment could become a major obstacle to a transfer.
Arsenal have faced a similar issue in their pursuit of Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. Aston Villa value Konsa at about £60m, while Arsenal have previously indicated that they would be willing to make an offer worth roughly half that amount.
Sources have also told ESPN that Arsenal are expected to increase their efforts to sign Konsa. Whether the two clubs can reach a compromise remains uncertain, but the consideration of Quansah indicates that Arsenal are actively examining alternative defensive options rather than relying on a single target.
Quansah and Konsa were both included in the England squad managed by Thomas Tuchel that finished third at the World Cup this summer. Their selection underlines the status both defenders have earned at international level.
The two players also offer tactical flexibility, with both capable of operating as a right-back or a centre-back. That versatility is a significant part of their appeal to Arsenal as the club considers how to strengthen its defensive options.
Quansah made 44 appearances during his first season with Bayer Leverkusen after moving from Liverpool. His involvement across the campaign has further established him as a player being monitored by leading clubs, although Arsenal have yet to open direct negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen.
For now, the club’s interest in Quansah remains at the exploratory stage. Arsenal’s priority is to add a defender this summer, with Konsa and Quansah among the options under consideration, but the financial gap involved in both potential deals could determine whether either move progresses.
