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.

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.

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.

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.

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