Bayer Leverkusen are building momentum at a critical point of the season, sitting fourth in the Bundesliga with 10 points from five games after a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Mainz 05 at the MEWA Arena. The win, covered across multiple GOAL reports, underlined both the attacking quality Carles Martinez has instilled and the defensive fragility that continues to test his squad. Conceding three goals while scoring four reflects a team capable of winning ugly, but one that cannot yet feel settled at the back.

That defensive concern is compounded by uncertainty over Jarell Quansah. According to Sport Bild via GOAL, the 23-year-old England international is attracting serious interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea, with Liverpool holding a buyback clause worth 70 million euros that can be triggered by June 15 next year. Leverkusen rejected a 65 million euro approach from Arsenal last summer, and Martinez has shifted Quansah from centre-back to right-back this season, making him even more versatile and valuable. Losing him would be a significant blow to a defence already under pressure.

With Europa League action next on the agenda, the data confirms Leverkusen travel to Lech Poznan on October 15. European competition offers a chance to build confidence and depth, but Martinez will need his full squad firing if the club is to compete on both fronts through the autumn.