Arsenal hit with £43m Jarell Quansah blow after Bayer Leverkusen decision

Arsenal’s pursuit of Jarell Quansah has been dealt a significant blow after Bayer Leverkusen made their position on the England defender clear.

Mikel Arteta’s side identified Quansah as a potential solution to their early-season defensive problems, with William Saliba sidelined and Jurriën Timber still working his way back towards full fitness.

The Guardian reported last week that Arsenal had opened talks over the 23-year-old and that Leverkusen would want at least €50million, around £43m, before considering a sale.

The latest information from Germany, however, paints a considerably more difficult picture.

Received an update today in relation to Jarell Quansah. As things stand Bayer Leverkusen consider him not for sale at any price and have informed #AFC this.
— Lewis Bower (@LewisBower2021) August 17, 2026

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Jarell Quansah Arsenal transfer takes fresh twist

Bild reports that Leverkusen do not intend to sell Quansah this summer and that head coach Carles Martínez is planning with the defender for the new campaign.

The German outlet also disputes suggestions that Arsenal and Leverkusen have already held direct negotiations, despite earlier reporting from England that talks had begun.

Quansah has now returned to first-team training following his post-World Cup break and remains under contract until 2030. Leverkusen signed him from Liverpool last summer and see him as an important part of their defence.

That leaves Arsenal facing a decision.

Arteta’s need for another defender has not disappeared. Saliba remains unavailable because of his back problem, while Timber’s recovery has required careful management throughout the summer. ReadArsenal previously explained how Saliba’s injury forced Arsenal to reconsider their defensive transfer plans.

Arsenal did at least show encouraging defensive depth when they kept a clean sheet in Sunday’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

But one performance does not remove the need for cover across an entire season.

Quansah remains an attractive option because he can operate centrally or at right-back, but Leverkusen’s stance suggests Arsenal may now need either to test their resolve with a serious bid or move further down Andrea Berta’s defensive shortlist.