Arsenal eye €50m Leverkusen defender as Saliba injury looms

Bayer Leverkusen have set an asking price of at least €50 million (£43 million) for 23‑year‑old defender Jarell Quansah, and Arsenal have been reported to be open to signing the versatile player this summer as the Gunners look to reinforce their back line after a key injury.

Arsenal's defensive urgency

Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his defensive options after William Saliba sustained a back injury at the World Cup. The injury has left a gap in the centre‑back partnership that the Gunners are desperate to fill. (Picture: Getty)

Quansah joined Bayer Leverkusen last year from Liverpool for £30 million and made 28 league appearances in his first season. His form earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad this summer, showcasing the versatility to play both centre‑back and right‑back. Arsenal’s interest reflects his rising profile.

Leverkusen's price tag

Reports indicate that Bayer Leverkusen do not want to sell the player, but they would demand at least €50 million (£43 million) to let him leave. That figure is lower than the €70 million (£59 million) buy‑back option Liverpool once held, a clause that has now expired. The German club’s stance suggests they value Quansah highly.

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Arsenal have also opened talks with Aston Villa over a deal for 28‑year‑old defender Ezri Konsa, although there is a significant gap between the clubs’ valuations. The pursuit of Konsa shows the Gunners have widened their search for defensive reinforcements beyond Quansah.

When asked about Arsenal’s interest in Konsa and Quansah on Friday, Mikel Arteta said: “I’m not going to talk about any individuals obviously. Ezri Konsa is also wanted by Arsenal. What I can tell you is the ambition of the club, it’s big, we want to improve the squad, we want to evolve the squad, and in order to achieve that, we have obviously detected some areas that can be strengthened.”

Arteta added: “It’s a very exciting part of the season, when a lot of things happen. I think you create excitement; there’s an opportunity as well to evolve. There’s also a good way to understand what every player is feeling. We are trying the maximum that we can to end up in 14 days, 13 days in the best possible condition to compete for every possible competition.”

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If the deal goes through, Arsenal could sign Quansah to add depth and cover at both centre‑back and right‑back, bolstering a defence weakened by Saliba’s injury. For Bayer Leverkusen, accepting the €50 million fee would provide a substantial cash influx while losing a versatile defender whose buy‑back clause has expired.