Arsenal are in active discussions with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential move for England defender Jarell Quansah, with manager Mikel Arteta eager to reinforce a backline hit hard by injuries.

Quansah, 23, made the switch from Liverpool to Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth £35 million and went on to make 44 appearances in his debut Bundesliga campaign. He earned a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, making three appearances on football's grandest stage.

Why Arsenal want Quansah

Arteta's defensive options are stretched to a worrying degree. William Saliba is currently sidelined through injury, Jurrien Timber remains on the mend after a groin problem that has kept him largely absent since March, and Ben White's fitness record continues to raise concerns.

Those absences exposed Arsenal during their UEFA Champions League final defeat — with Cristhian Mosquera forced to play out of position at right-back, ultimately conceding a penalty in Budapest. The need for versatile defensive cover could scarcely be more urgent.

Quansah fits the profile precisely. A natural centre-back, he featured regularly on the right of a back three at Leverkusen last season and took up a right-back position in the club's passing structure — an adaptability that earned him a World Cup call-up ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Arteta views that flexibility as invaluable, particularly with Arsenal's full-backs asked to invert and operate as hybrid attackers.

Arsenal have also been linked with Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa, though Aston Villa's asking price for the 28-year-old has been considered excessive. Quansah, five years younger, is seen as a more attractive long-term investment at a potentially more competitive fee.

Leverkusen reluctant to sell

Any deal is far from straightforward. Bayer Leverkusen are understood to be reluctant to part with Quansah, having been impressed by both his performances and his maturity in adapting to the Bundesliga. With four years left on his contract, the German club are in a strong negotiating position and would likely demand a figure well in excess of the £35 million they paid Liverpool last summer.

For Arsenal, the case for securing Quansah is compelling — a player who can offer quality cover across multiple defensive positions while still very much in his development years.