Arsenal target Jarell Quansah to cover William Saliba injury

Arsenal have identified Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah as a potential solution to their defensive issues. The move follows news that William Saliba will miss an extended period of football due to a recurring back problem sustained during the 2026 World Cup.

Quansah, an English international of Ghanaian descent, joined Leverkusen from Liverpool in the summer of 2025 for £30 million. While Leverkusen have no intention of selling the 23-year-old after just one season in Germany, Quansah is reportedly open to a move if Arsenal submit a formal offer. A £70 million buy-back clause previously held by Liverpool has now expired.

Mikel Arteta is seeking defensive versatility to replace Saliba. Quansah primarily plays as a centre-back but is also capable of playing at right-back. This flexibility is a key factor in the Gunners' interest.

Arsenal have looked at other options to bolster their backline. The club explored a move for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, though a valuation gap remains between the two sides. A previously considered move for Tottenham's Cristian Romero was dismissed after Spurs refused to sell the Argentina international to their rivals.

Quansah rose through the Liverpool academy and established himself during the 2023-24 season. His playing time decreased during Liverpool's 2024-25 title-winning campaign, where he managed only four Premier League starts. He finished his time at Liverpool with 58 total appearances and three goals across all competitions.