Arsenal are interested in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.The Premier League champions are considering options at the back with first-choice central defender William Saliba set to be sidelined for an extended period with injury.The two clubs are yet to begin talks over a potential transfer, and the German side do not want to sell the 23-year-old, who joined the club from Liverpool in the summer of 2025.A buy-back option for the Merseyside club, set at €70million (£59m; $80m), has now expired and Leverkusen are under no pressure to sell.The England international, who made three appearances at the 2026 World Cup, can play at both centre-back and right-back. Quansah is open to a move to the Emirates Stadium if the situation develops.Arsenal have also shown interest in Quansah’s fellow England defender Ezri Konsa, though there is a significant gap between Arsenal and Aston Villa’s valuations of the 28-year-old.Quansah is a product of Liverpool’s academy and enjoyed a breakthrough 2023-24. However, he played a more restricted role in his final season at the club — Liverpool’s title-winning campaign of 2024-25. The defender started just four times in the top flight.He made 58 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, scoring three goals.In his debut season in Germany, Quansah made 44 appearances and scored five goals as Leverkusen finished sixth in the Bundesliga. He has also established himself in the England squad and has earned six caps.Why do Arsenal want Quansah?Analysis by Arsenal correspondent James McNicholasArsenal are looking for defensive reinforcements to help cover for the absence of William Saliba.The Frenchman finally succumbed to a long-term back problem during the World Cup, and is currently resting to allow the issue to settle before beginning rehabilitation. Arsenal have confirmed they expect him to miss an “extended period”.Quansah and Konsa both fit Mikel Arteta’s specifications — they are centre-halves with Premier League experience who can also provide an option at right-back.Those criteria also saw Arsenal explore a possible move for Cristian Romero, but Tottenham were unwilling to sell to their neighbours.What would he offer?Analysis by Liverpool correspondent Gregg EvansIf Arsenal’s plan is to continue building the tallest team in history then it’s no surprise Jarell Quansah is on the radar.At 6ft 3ins, he’s the type of player who can help significantly at set pieces — an area where Arsenal are already strong — and also offer a commanding presence in defence.Perhaps the biggest attraction, though, is his composure on the ball and influence around build-up.Quansah showed that he was a calming presence and ready to play for a top team in the Premier League during his Liverpool days. His year of regular football in Germany would have only helped and it feels like a low-risk option.Aug 14, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms