Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.

BBC Sport understands that talks are at an exploratory stage at the moment but sources suggest a deal for the 23-year-old is possible.

The potential move comes after the Gunners held further talks over a transfer for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa. Villa want a fee of around £60m for Konsa but Arsenal value the 28-year-old closer to £40m.

Quansah would fit the profile of player that the Gunners are looking for, as he can play at both centre-back and right-back. But it remains to be seen if their interest in the former Liverpool defender is a tactic by the club in their pursuit of Konsa's England team-mate.

Arsenal will be without William Saliba for the start of their Premier League title defence next weekend against promoted Coventry City, as the France centre-back has been ruled out for an extended period after suffering a back injury at the World Cup.

Netherlands right-back Jurrien Timber, who missed two months towards the end of last season because of an ankle injury, is also struggling to be fit.

Liverpool have the option to match any offer for Quansah as part of the deal that led to him leaving Anfield for the Bundesliga club last year, but it is understood they have no intention of actioning their clause.

Quansah was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup this summer. He started three games at the tournament at right-back, but he was sent off in the last-16 match against Mexico, forcing him to miss the quarter-final win over Norway and last-four defeat by Argentina.

Quansah made 44 appearances for Leverkusen last season, scoring five goals.

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