Arsenal have begun negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential move for defender Jarell Quansah as the club looks to bolster its backline while William Saliba and Jurriën Timber remain sidelined through injury.
Quansah, 23, joined Leverkusen from Liverpool last summer in a deal worth an initial £30m, signing a five-year contract with the Bundesliga side. The England international was part of Thomas Tuchel's squad at the World Cup, where he featured primarily at right-back despite his preference for central defence. He was sent off during England's last-16 win over Mexico in that tournament.
Arsenal view the Warrington-born defender as a suitable option to cover for both Saliba and Timber, given his versatility across the back line. However, Leverkusen are said to be unwilling to part with their player easily, with a valuation of at least €50m (£43m) being floated by the German club. Arsenal, who have already seen a £30m offer for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa turned down this window, are reportedly hesitant to meet that asking price but may still test Leverkusen by tabling a similar bid.
Complicating matters further, Liverpool's buyback clause for Quansah, which stood at €70m, has now lapsed, removing any potential involvement from his former club in future negotiations.
Despite the interest in Quansah, Arsenal have not abandoned their pursuit of Konsa, who also played at right-back for England during the World Cup despite being primarily a central defender. Villa reportedly want £60m for the 28-year-old.
The urgency behind Arsenal's search for defensive reinforcements stems from injury concerns surrounding two of their first-choice centre-backs. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed this week that Saliba's back issue would require considerable time to resolve, admitting uncertainty over his return date. Timber, meanwhile, withdrew from the Netherlands squad just before the World Cup after failing to shake off a lingering groin problem that had already cost him significant playing time last season.
"Jurriën is progressing really well," Arteta said following Arsenal's friendly loss to Borussia Dortmund. "He's on the pitch, he's doing quite a lot right now, but it's still weeks away. I cannot tell you how much."
Beyond defensive reinforcements, Arsenal are also keen to add attacking depth before the transfer window closes. To help finance any incoming deals, the club could sanction departures for Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. Galatasaray have reportedly tabled a £38m offer for Martinelli, though the Brazilian winger has so far resisted a move to Turkey. Napoli have also been credited with interest in Jesus.
Young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri could likewise be sold, with AC Milan, Fulham, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund all linked with the 19-year-old.
Meanwhile, the situation surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly remains uncertain after reports emerged that he had been offered to both Chelsea and Manchester United. Arteta declined to comment directly on the speculation after Lewis-Skelly scored in Arsenal's friendly victory over Como, managed by Cesc Fábregas.
"I'm not going to talk about speculation," Arteta said. "If there is speculation about our players, it's a good sign. That means our players attract attention and are doing a good job."
As the transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal appear intent on reshaping parts of their squad both defensively and going forward, balancing the need for immediate cover with longer-term strategic considerations.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.