Arsenal Open Talks for Former Liverpool Defender Jarell Quansah
Arsenal have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a possible move for former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, according to Sky Sports, in a development that could create an intriguing problem for his old club.
Quansah left Liverpool last summer in a £35 million deal, seeking the regular football that had become increasingly difficult to guarantee at Anfield. A year later, that decision appears to have worked precisely as intended.
The 23 year old has established himself with Leverkusen, forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and featured three times during this summer’s World Cup. His appearances included minutes at right back ahead of former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander Arnold.
Now Arsenal are considering bringing him back to the Premier League.
Arsenal See Quansah as Defensive Solution
Mikel Arteta’s interest is relatively easy to understand.
Photo: IMAGO
Injuries to Jurrien Timber and William Saliba have reduced Arsenal’s defensive options, leaving the club looking for a player capable of covering more than one position.
Quansah fits that profile.
His natural position remains centre back, but his experience on the right side of Leverkusen’s back three, coupled with his appearances at right back for England, gives Arsenal the sort of tactical flexibility elite clubs increasingly value.
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has also attracted Arsenal’s attention, although Sky Sports reports that Villa’s valuation of the 28 year old is considered too high.
At 23, Quansah would offer considerably more long term value.
Leverkusen Position Creates Major Obstacle
Arsenal wanting Quansah does not necessarily mean Arsenal can get him.
Sky Sports reports that Leverkusen have no desire to sell the England international and would demand considerably more than the fee paid to Liverpool last summer.
That position makes sense.
Quansah has developed into an important defender for Leverkusen, and selling him after only one season would remove a player whose value could continue rising significantly.
Arsenal may therefore have to make an offer substantial enough to change the conversation entirely.
Liverpool Buy Back Clause Adds Intrigue
Liverpool will inevitably be watching developments closely.
When Quansah moved to Germany, Liverpool negotiated a buy back clause into the agreement. Reports have subsequently suggested it could be worth around £70 million, although neither club has publicly confirmed the figure.
Reports from Germany have also indicated that Liverpool are not currently planning to activate the clause this summer.
The expectation has instead been that Quansah would remain with Leverkusen for another season before Liverpool considered whether to bring him back in 2027.
An Arsenal transfer would clearly disrupt that possibility.
Liverpool allowed Quansah to leave because regular football offered him the best opportunity to develop. That development appears to be occurring quickly enough for one of their Premier League rivals to take notice.
Whether Arsenal are prepared to test Leverkusen’s resolve with the sort of bid required is now the key question.
For Liverpool, this is a transfer story carrying considerably more relevance than the usual movement involving a former player.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool made a difficult decision last summer. Quansah was clearly talented, but he needed to play regularly. Keeping him at Anfield as a rotation option would have offered security for Liverpool while potentially slowing his development.
Instead, he went to Germany, played, improved and reached the England World Cup squad.
That represents good player development and, crucially, Liverpool protected themselves with the buy back clause.
Seeing Arsenal interested confirms how highly Quansah is now regarded. It also provides Liverpool with another reason to monitor his progress carefully.
There would naturally be frustration if he eventually joined Arsenal and became a major Premier League defender. Nobody wants to watch an academy graduate strengthen a direct rival.
However, Liverpool still have a degree of control over their own future involvement.
Andoni Iraola is building his squad with different requirements from those Liverpool had when Quansah departed. By 2027, the defensive picture could look very different again.
For now, Liverpool supporters can be pleased that one of the club’s own has developed exactly as hoped.
If Quansah continues on this trajectory, that reported buy back clause could become one of the most interesting decisions Liverpool have to make next summer.