Arsenal have opened negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for England defender Jarell Quansah, as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce a back line stretched by injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.

Quansah, 23, has emerged as a prime target after a standout first season in the Bundesliga and an impressive World Cup campaign with England, where he made three appearances in Thomas Tuchel’s squad. Comfortable at centre-back and right-back, he is viewed inside Arsenal as a rare blend of physical presence, composure on the ball and tactical flexibility.

The defender left Liverpool last summer in a deal worth around £35m, opting to swap his boyhood club for regular first-team football in Germany. That decision has been vindicated: he featured 44 times for Leverkusen in all competitions, quickly becoming a mainstay in a side that challenged at the top of the Bundesliga and in Europe.

Leverkusen are understood to be reluctant sellers. Club officials have been impressed not only by Quansah’s performances but also by his maturity in adapting to a new league and culture. With four years remaining on his contract, the German side are under no pressure to cash in and would demand a significant premium on the fee they paid Liverpool.

Any deal is further complicated by a buy-back clause inserted by Liverpool when Quansah moved to Leverkusen. While the exact terms remain private, the clause gives the Anfield club a measure of control over the defender’s next move and could influence both the timing and structure of any agreement Arsenal hope to reach.

Arsenal’s interest is driven by both short-term need and long-term planning. Saliba’s absence has exposed a lack of depth at centre-back, while right-back remains a problem position with Timber still recovering and Ben White’s fitness record a concern. The club have also looked at Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, but his price and age profile make Quansah a more attractive option.

Arteta’s system demands defenders who can operate in multiple zones, with full-backs often stepping into midfield or forming a back three in possession. Quansah’s role on the right of a back three for Leverkusen, frequently occupying advanced wide areas, suggests he could adapt to those demands and offer cover across the defensive line.