Arsenal enter talks with Leverkusen for Quansah

Arsenal have initiated talks with Bayer Leverkusen for defender Jarell Quansah as they look to strengthen their backline, according to The Guardian. The move comes with William Saliba and Jurriën Timber sidelined through injury at the start of the season.

Quansah, a 23-year-old England international, joined the German side last summer from Liverpool for an initial £30m. The centre-back, part of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, can also operate at right-back. Leverkusen are unwilling sellers and value the Warrington-born player at least €50m (£43m), though Arsenal do not want to match that fee but could test their resolve with a similar offer.

Cover for injury-hit defence

The Gunners remain interested in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa after their £30m bid was rejected, with Villa standing firm at £60m for the 28-year-old. Arteta described Saliba's back injury as needing "some time to heal" with no clear return date, while Timber is progressing but still weeks away from action.

Arsenal are also considering letting fringe attackers leave to free up funds, with Galatasaray offering £38m for Gabriel Martinelli—a move the Brazilian has rejected—and Napoli expressing interest in Gabriel Jesús.