Arsenal have reportedly opened talks to sign former Liverpool defender and England World Cup star Jarell Quansah. The Gunners are in the market for a centre-back this summer with star player William Saliba set to miss the start of the new season with a back injury.
Saliba injury and Konsa setback
Arsenal say the France international will be sidelined for an 'extended period', with reports suggesting he could be out for a number of weeks or months depending on how his rehabilitation goes. Mikel Arteta's top target has been Ezri Konsa, but a deal for the Aston Villa star is proving tricky.
The Villans are demanding £60million, and it is said that while the 28-year-old is open to moving to north London, he will not force a transfer this summer.
Quansah as alternative target
As a result, it seems Arsenal are happy to move onto alternative targets, with Sky Sports reporting that the reigning Premier League champions have begun talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Quansah. Arteta is keen on the 23-year-old, who played alongside Konsa during the World Cup, in part because of his ability to play at centre-back and right-back.
After falling out of favour with Arne Slot, Quansah made the tough decision to leave Anfield last summer, joining Leverkusen in a deal worth £30m. It is said the Bundesliga club don't want to lose the Three Lions star and will be demanding a considerable fee from Arsenal.
