Arsenal express interest in signing Quansah

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 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 in all competitions for Leverkusen last season, scoring five goals.