Arsenal are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a possible deal for England defender Jarell Quansah, according to Sky Sports.
Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his defensive options and sees Quansah as a good fit due to his versatility at centre-back and right-back.
Quansah has returned to Leverkusen following an extended break after making three appearances for England at the World Cup. He made 44 appearances in his first season in Germany after leaving boyhood club Liverpool last summer.
Leverkusen are reluctant to sell after being impressed by the 23-year-old’s performances and his mature approach to adapting to a new environment.
Arsenal would likely need to pay considerably more than the £30million Leverkusen paid for Jarell Quansah last July, with the defender having four years remaining on his contract. Liverpool also have a buy-back clause as part of the deal that took him to Germany.
With William Saliba injured, Arsenal need additional cover at centre-back, while right-back is another area of concern. Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin problem, while Ben White has struggled with injuries.
Arsenal have also targeted Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, but Quansah could offer greater value given his age and ability to play in multiple positions.
Primarily a centre-back, Quansah operated on the right side of a back three for Leverkusen last season. His performances were enough for England manager Thomas Tuchel to consider him as a right-back option this summer.
Quansah’s versatility could prove particularly useful for Arsenal, with Arteta often asking his full-backs to move into midfield and adopt more advanced positions. His ability to play as a more defensive full-back could also suit the system, as shown by Arteta’s use of former Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
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