Bayer Leverkusen head into the new season with genuine momentum, having completed a strong pre-season that ended with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St. James' Park on August 15. That result capped a summer in which Carles Martínez Novell's side scored freely and conceded little, winning all six pre-season fixtures and posting three clean sheets. The squad looks sharp, and the early signs point to a team building on last season's foundations with confidence.

The most pressing concern off the pitch is the future of Jarell Quansah. Arsenal have held talks with Leverkusen over a potential move for the 23-year-old centre-back, as Sky Sports and the Guardian reported, with the Gunners looking to cover injury absences in defence. Leverkusen have shown no willingness to sell. The club values Quansah at a minimum of 50 million euros, and with his contract running until 2030, they hold a strong negotiating position. Quansah made 44 appearances across all competitions last season and has established himself as a key figure in the backline.

There is also a potential addition to consider. Moussa Diaby, who spent four productive years at the club before leaving in 2023, has been linked with a return, though reports via Di Marzio indicate Inter Milan are competing for his signature. Inter have submitted a second offer to Al-Ittihad, complicating what had appeared to be an advanced negotiation with Leverkusen.

The competitive season begins on August 22 with a DFB-Pokal trip to Wehen Wiesbaden, a first test of whether the pre-season form translates when the results start to matter.