Arsenal’s defensive crisis has pushed Mikel Arteta into the transfer market with a clear target: Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah. The Gunners are in active talks with the German club over a potential deal for the 23-year-old England international, who offers a rare blend of versatility and Premier League pedigree.
Why Quansah fits Arsenal’s needs
With William Saliba sidelined and Jurrien Timber still recovering from a long-term groin injury, Arsenal’s defensive options are threadbare. Ben White’s injury record further complicates matters, while Cristhian Mosquera’s enforced shift to right-back in the Champions League final exposed the club’s lack of depth in that position. Quansah, who can operate at centre-back or right-back, provides a direct solution to two pressing problems.
The England defender arrived at Leverkusen last summer from Liverpool for £35m and quickly established himself as a first-team regular, making 44 appearances in his debut Bundesliga season. His maturity and adaptability have impressed at club and international level, including a call-up to England’s World Cup squad this summer, where he featured three times. Arsenal see him as a long-term replacement for Saliba rather than a short-term fix, given his contract runs until 2030.
The obstacles in Arsenal’s path
Leverkusen are reluctant sellers. Despite Quansah’s breakout season, the club values his consistency and leadership, particularly after investing heavily to sign him from Liverpool. The Bundesliga side’s stance means Arsenal will likely need to exceed Leverkusen’s £30m outlay from last July to secure his services. A further complication is Liverpool’s retained buy-back clause from the original deal, which could complicate any transfer.
Arteta’s urgency stems from the club’s defensive frailties, but Leverkusen’s reluctance to part with a key asset could force Arsenal to explore alternatives. Ezri Konsa remains a target, though Aston Villa’s valuation of the England defender has deterred Arsenal thus far. The Gunners’ pursuit of Quansah reflects their preference for a younger, more flexible option over a pricier established name.
Arsenal’s wider transfer strategy
Quansah is not the only defensive target under scrutiny. Arsenal have also been linked with Victor Osimhen, though Galatasaray’s valuation of the Nigeria striker has complicated those talks. Reports suggest the Gunners remain confident of completing a deal for Osimhen, but the club’s defensive priorities may yet shift if Quansah’s move collapses.
Arteta’s summer has been defined by missed opportunities, from the failed pursuit of Vinícius Júnior to the stalled pursuit of Julian Álvarez and Bradley Barcola. The Quansah pursuit, however, signals a pragmatic pivot: prioritising defensive solidity over a marquee attacking signing. With just three weeks left in the window, the Gunners cannot afford another collapse.
If Quansah arrives, he will walk into a club desperate for stability. His ability to play in two positions offers Arteta tactical flexibility, while his Premier League experience—albeit brief—reduces the risk of an immediate adjustment period. Leverkusen’s resistance means the deal is far from done, but the urgency of Arsenal’s defensive needs has never been clearer.
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