Arsenal eye Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah as defensive search continues

The 23-year-old England international has emerged as an alternative to Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, with Arsenal having already held further discussions over a potential deal for the 28-year-old. Villa value Konsa at around 60 million pounds, while Arsenal's valuation is understood to be significantly lower.

Quansah's versatility is a key attraction for Mikel Arteta. The former Liverpool defender can operate at centre-back or right-back, fitting the profile of a player Arsenal are seeking as they prepare for the new Premier League season.

Leverkusen are reluctant to sell after Quansah impressed during his first season in Germany. He made 44 appearances in all competitions last season and scored five goals, including on his Bundesliga debut in a 2-1 defeat by Hoffenheim.

The German club paid Liverpool 30 million pounds for Quansah last July and, with four years still remaining on his contract, are likely to demand considerably more to consider selling him.

Liverpool also retain an option to match any offer for their former defender as part of the agreement that took him to Leverkusen. Their clause is worth around 59.8 million pounds, although it is understood the Premier League club have no intention of exercising it.

Quansah returned to Leverkusen after an extended break following England's World Cup campaign. He made three appearances at the tournament and was used at right-back, although he was sent off during the last-16 victory over Mexico and subsequently missed England's quarter-final win against Norway and semi-final defeat by Argentina.