Arsenal show interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah
Arsenal explore defensive options
Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. Reports suggest that discussions are in an exploratory phase, but a transfer for the player is considered possible. This development follows further talks by Arsenal regarding a potential move for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
Aston Villa reportedly seeks a fee of around £60m for Konsa, while Arsenal values the player closer to £40m. Quansah fits the profile of player Arsenal is seeking, as he is capable of playing both as a centre-back and a right-back. However, it remains uncertain whether their interest in the former Liverpool defender is a strategic move in their pursuit of Konsa, who is also an England team-mate of Quansah.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has maintained a cautious stance regarding specific individuals but has affirmed his intention to enhance the squad. He highlighted the club’s ambition to improve and evolve the team to achieve its objectives, noting that certain areas have been identified for strengthening.
Injury concerns prompt search for reinforcements
The pursuit of defensive reinforcements comes as Arsenal faces injury challenges ahead of their season. William Saliba, a France centre-back, will be unavailable for the start of their Premier League title defence against Coventry City next weekend. He is sidelined for an extended period due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup.
Additionally, Jurrien Timber, a Netherlands right-back, is working to regain fitness after missing two months towards the end of last season with an ankle injury. Arteta provided an update on Timber’s recovery, stating that he is making good progress and is on the pitch, with the volume and load of his training increasing. He indicated that Timber is on a positive trajectory but still has several weeks of recovery ahead.
Saliba’s back problem is described as a more long-term injury. These defensive absences have prompted Arsenal’s keenness to bolster their options at centre-back, with significant investment being explored. Both Konsa and Quansah are reported targets who can play in central defence and at right-back.
Arteta also mentioned that the club’s transfer activities might not be limited to new arrivals, suggesting that player departures could also occur in the coming fortnight. He noted that this period is exciting, creating opportunities for evolution and understanding how each player is feeling. The club aims to be in the best possible condition to compete in all competitions.
Liverpool holds an option to match any offer for Quansah, a clause from his transfer from Anfield to the Bundesliga club last year. However, it is understood that Liverpool does not intend to activate this clause. Quansah was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup this summer.
During the tournament, Quansah started three matches at right-back. He received a red card in the last-16 game against Mexico, which led to him missing the quarter-final victory over Norway and the semi-final defeat by Argentina. Last season, Quansah made 44 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring five goals.
Arteta also confirmed that Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martín Zubimendi trained with the team and are expected to be involved in the upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday.
Squad ambition and upcoming fixtures
The manager expressed a positive atmosphere within the squad, noting a strong energy and the return of all international players. He observed the players’ hunger and praised their fitness and condition upon returning. While being discreet about specific transfer dealings, Arteta provided insight into the club’s thinking regarding Ethan Nwaneri, a 19-year-old forward.
Nwaneri made 26 league appearances two seasons ago before a loan spell at Marseille in January, where he scored two goals in nine Ligue 1 games. Arteta stated his desire for Nwaneri to remain at the club but emphasised the need to consider the player’s medium and long-term development, including guaranteeing him playing minutes if he stays.
The upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester City marks the official start of Arsenal’s season, with Arteta acknowledging the strength of their opponent. The club’s focus remains on strengthening the squad and ensuring all players are in optimal condition for the challenges ahead.
The Premier League title defence is set to begin next weekend against Coventry City.
Source: bbc.co.uk