Paul Merson thinks Arsenal’s new £35m defensive target is ‘different class’

Arsenal are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for Jarell Quansah.

The 23-year-old has emerged as an ideal alternative to the Ezri Konsa pursuit, which appears to have stalled.

The England defender has attracted significant interest from Mikel Arteta, who sees his versatility across centre-back and right-back as exactly what Arsenal need.

Some fans will be somewhat unfamiliar with Quansah given his move to the Bundesliga last summer.

But one man who has been singing his praises for some time is ex-Arsenal player Paul Merson.

Paul Merson heaps glowing praise on Jarell Quansah

Back in 2024, when Quansah broke through as an exciting young defender under Jurgen Klopp, Merson had high praise for the then-Liverpool player.

“The likes of Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have also been absolutely different class,” Merson said.

“Liverpool have good professionals at the club, making it a great environment for these young players to come into the team and flourish.”

Quansah made 30 appearances in the Premier League during his two seasons as part of Liverpool’s first team.

He impressed enough for Bayer Leverkusen — then managed by Xabi Alonso — to buy him for £35million.

Liverpool did insert a buyback clause in the deal, enabling them to get him back for €70million if they wished to, but as per David Ornstein, that has now expired.

At Leverkusen, he made 44 appearances in his first season, showing his importance to the German club, who are reluctant to sell.

He then made three appearances for England at the World Cup, cementing his place as a genuine international-level defender at just 23.

Arsenal, of course, need cover for William Saliba, a player who can operate across the back line and who is ready to contribute immediately.

Quansah may well fit that description, especially so, according to Merson.