Arsenal in talks with Leverkusen over Jarrel Quansah deal

Arsenal have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a possible transfer for England defender Jarrel Quansah. The conversations are described as exploratory at this stage, with the Bundesliga side not inclined to part with the centre-back.

Rob Dorsett has revealed that Arsenal are engaging Leverkusen over a potential deal, while the German champions’ stance is that they do not wish to sell. The report adds that it would likely require a figure well above the sum Leverkusen paid to sign Quansah last summer to shift that position.

There is no suggestion an agreement is close and no figures have been finalised. As things stand, the discussions amount to dialogue between the clubs rather than a breakthrough in negotiations. How far Arsenal are prepared to go to test Leverkusen’s resolve is not yet clear.

The valuation gap appears significant, which typically makes progress slow unless one side moves meaningfully. Leverkusen’s reluctance to sell, coupled with the indication that they would seek considerably more than their previous outlay, suggests any transfer would be complex and contingent on Arsenal advancing talks and aligning on price.

Quansah’s emergence at the top level and international recognition provide context for Leverkusen’s position, but the immediate takeaway is that Arsenal have made contact and are exploring the possibility. Until there is movement on fee or club stance, this remains an early negotiation rather than a definitive step towards a transfer.

The state of play

• Talks between Arsenal and Leverkusen are under way over a potential Quansah deal.

• Leverkusen are understood to be resistant to a sale.

• Any agreement would likely require a price higher than the amount paid for the player last summer, according to the report.