Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, with talks reportedly in an exploratory phase. Sources suggest a potential deal for the 23-year-old is possible. This development follows further discussions held by the Gunners regarding a transfer for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.
Aston Villa is seeking a fee around £60m for Konsa, who is 28 years old, while Arsenal reportedly value him closer to £40m. Quansah fits the profile of player Arsenal is seeking, as he is capable of playing both as a centre-back and at right-back. However, it is not yet clear if Arsenal’s interest in Quansah, a former Liverpool player, is part of a strategy in their pursuit of his England teammate Konsa.
Defensive Reinforcements Sought Amid Injuries
Arsenal’s pursuit of defensive options comes as the club faces significant injury concerns ahead of their Premier League title defence. They will be without William Saliba for the start of the season against promoted Coventry City next weekend. The France international centre-back has been ruled out for an extended period due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup.
Additionally, Netherlands right-back Jurrien Timber is also working towards full fitness. Timber missed two months towards the end of last season due to an ankle injury and is still recovering from a knee issue. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Timber is progressing well and is on the pitch, with volume and load being increased, though he still has a few weeks until he is fully ready. Saliba’s injury is considered more long-term.
Arteta remained cautious when asked directly about Konsa and Quansah but emphasised the club’s ambition to strengthen the squad. He stated that the club aims to improve and evolve the squad to achieve its goals, having identified areas that need reinforcement. The defending English champions are set to begin their season with the Community Shield on Sunday, where they will face FA Cup winners Manchester City at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Quansah’s Recent Performance and Club Situation
Quansah was a member of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup this summer. During the tournament, he started three matches at right-back. He received a red card in the last-16 fixture against Mexico, which led to him missing the quarter-final victory over Norway and the semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Last season, Quansah made 44 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring five goals. As part of the agreement when he moved from Anfield to the Bundesliga club last year, Liverpool retains an option to match any offer made for Quansah. However, it is understood that Liverpool does not intend to activate this clause.
Arteta also indicated that Arsenal’s transfer activity might involve both incoming and outgoing players in the coming fortnight. Players such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Fabio Vieira have been linked with potential moves away from the club. Arteta described this period as exciting, offering opportunities for squad evolution and understanding players’ feelings, as the club aims to be in the best possible condition for all competitions.
The manager provided further details on Timber’s recovery, noting that he needs to start training with the group in the next week or so, and his progress will be monitored from there. He stressed the importance of ensuring every step in Timber’s recovery is correct due to the long-term nature of his issue.
Source: bbc.co.uk