Jarell Quansah is reportedly open to joining Arsenal this summer after Bayer Leverkusen set their asking price for the versatile defender. Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his defensive options before the end of the summer transfer window after William Saliba sustained a back injury at the World Cup.
Arsenal's Defensive Search Widens
The Gunners have opened talks with Aston Villa over a deal for Ezri Konsa, although there is a significant gap between both clubs’ valuation of the 28-year-old defender. Arsenal now appear to have widened their search, and are considering a move for Leverkusen defender Quansah.
The 23-year-old joined the German club last year from Liverpool for £30million and made 28 league appearances in his first season. Quansah’s form saw him named in England’s World Cup squad this summer, with his performances clearly catching Arsenal’s eye as they look to sign a versatile defender who can provide cover at centre-back and right-back.
Leverkusen's Stance and Asking Price
Widespread reports indicate that Leverkusen do not want to sell the player, although Quansah is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates should a deal progress. And while club-to-club talks have not taken place, The Guardian reports that the Bundesliga club would demand at least €50m (£43m) to let Quansah leave.
That fee would be less than the €70million (£59m) buy-back option that Liverpool had for Quansah, although that clause has now expired.
Arteta's Comments on Transfer Plans
Asked about Arsenal’s interest in Konsa and Quansah on Friday, Arteta said: ‘I’m not going to talk about any individuals obviously. ‘What I can tell you is the ambition of the club, it’s big, we want to improve the squad, we want to evolve the squad, and in order to achieve that, we have obviously detected some areas that can be strengthened. ‘That’s what we are trying to do.’
On Arsenal’s plans for the rest of the window more generally, the Spaniard added: ‘It’s a very exciting part of the season, when a lot of things happen. ‘I think you create excitement; there’s an opportunity as well to evolve. There’s also a good way to understand what every player is feeling. ‘We are trying the maximum that we can to end up in 14 days, 13 days in the best possible condition to compete for every possible competition.’
Potential Outgoings and Further Links
Arsenal could also sanction outgoings before deadline day, with Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri both linked with moves to Galatasaray. The club’s transfer activity remains focused on strengthening the squad, with the window closing in under two weeks.
