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New reports unveil Arsenal’s failed £55.6m summer bid

Arsenal submitted a bid to sign Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, according to a report.

Jarell Quansah of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Olympiacos FC at BayArena on February 24, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images

Arsenal’s interest in Bayer Leverkusen and former Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah was well reported over the summer, but one detail that’s only now coming to light is that the Gunners actually submitted a bid for the defender.

That’s according to German outlet Bild, who report that Leverkusen turned down an offer of €65m (£55.6m) from Arsenal for Quansah.

Arsenal pivoted back to their first-choice target of Ezri Konsa, and the signing of the Aston Villa defender ended their pursuit of Quansah. For the summer window, at least.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: New signing Ezri Konsa of Arsenal acknowledges the fans as he is introduced before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

If Arsenal do intend to go back for Quansah at some point, Bild suggest that the Gunners will face some competition.

Real Madrid are reportedly showing great interest in the player, scouting him closely as they look to sign at least two new defenders next summer. Then Chelsea have also submitted an enquiry, and Bild add that it would be surprising if Liverpool didn’t re-sign their former player.

Liverpool had an option to re-sign Quansah for €70m early in the summer, but they didn’t take it up. Bild suggest the option will be active again next summer, up until June 15th.

Jarell Quansah of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 5, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

With significant competition and Arsenal having now filled the spot in their defence, another move for Quansah is perhaps less likely.

By next summer, William Saliba should be long back in action, competing with Konsa, Cristhian Mosquera, and young Marli Salmon for a starting spot. Unless someone leaves, the position looks in good shape already.

Alex Scott, Elliot Anderson and Jarell Quansah #26 of England inspect the pitch prior to the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
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