Arsenal have begun discussions with Bayer Leverkusen about a possible transfer for 23-year-old defender Jarell Quansah.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defensive line due to injuries to Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. Quansah's versatility, with the capability to play both in the centre of defence and on the right flank, makes him an attractive target for the North London club.
Having left Liverpool last summer for around £35 million, Quansah has enjoyed a solid season in the Bundesliga, playing 44 matches for Leverkusen and earning a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup.
- Buyback option relinquished: Liverpool retained the right to buy back the defender for £70 million, but the Merseysiders opted not to trigger this option, deeming the transfer a low priority.
- Defensive concerns for Liverpool: The decision to pass on Quansah appears risky given Ibrahim Konate's departure on a free, the advancing age of Virgil van Dijk, and the injury records of Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Doku.
Alternative options for Arsenal
Quansah is not the only player on Arsenal's radar. The Gunners previously expressed interest in Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa and made an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Marc Pubill from Atletico Madrid.
Negotiations for Quansah are in the early stages, though the player himself remains open to a return to the Premier League.
