Arsenal hold exploratory interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah

Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, BBC Sport reported on 14 August 2026. The club's enquiries are understood to be at an exploratory stage.

The reported approach follows further talks between Arsenal and Aston Villa over defender Ezri Konsa. Quansah, 23, is able to operate at both centre-back and right-back and is a former Liverpool defender who moved to the Bundesliga club last year. Sources say Arsenal see him as fitting the profile of player they are targeting.

Arsenal have held fresh discussions over a transfer for Villa's Ezri Konsa, who is an England team-mate of Quansah. Villa want a fee of around £60m for Konsa, while Arsenal value the 28-year-old closer to £40m.

It is understood the Reds have the option to match any offer for Quansah as part of the deal that led to him leaving Anfield for the Bundesliga club last year. That clause is reported to remain in force and could influence any potential move.

Quansah was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup this summer. He started three games at the tournament at right-back and was sent off in the last-16 match against Mexico, forcing him to miss the quarter-final win over Norway and the last-four defeat by Argentina.

Quansah made 44 appearances in all competitions for Leverkusen last season, scoring five goals.

Talks are currently exploratory and sources suggest a deal for the 23-year-old is possible.