Bayer Leverkusen are navigating a busy transfer window that could reshape their squad before the Bundesliga season begins, with two significant stories pulling in opposite directions. Arsenal have opened talks over defender Jarell Quansah, as reported by Sky Sports and the Guardian, looking to cover injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. Leverkusen have no desire to sell, and the club's position is clear: any offer below €50 million will not be entertained. Quansah, who cost €35 million from Liverpool last summer, made 44 appearances in all competitions and cemented his place in the England squad at the World Cup. Losing him would be a serious blow to a backline that has just started pre-season.

On the attacking front, a potential return for Moussa Diaby has grown more complicated. Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Inter Milan are preparing a second bid for the winger, who is currently at Al-Ittihad. Leverkusen had appeared the frontrunners, with Bild and Kicker citing advanced negotiations, but Inter's involvement introduces real uncertainty. Diaby scored 49 goals and contributed 47 assists across 172 appearances for the club between 2019 and 2023.

Midfield planning has also shifted after teenage signing Kennet Eichhorn was hospitalised with a metabolic condition, according to Sport Bild. With no timeline for his return, Leverkusen have removed him from first-half planning entirely. That means only one central midfielder from the group of Robert Andrich, Aleix Garcia, and Equi Fernandez is now expected to leave, rather than two. Andrich, who missed the World Cup squad, has publicly stated his intention to stay and push for a recall under new Germany coach Jürgen Klopp. Leverkusen face Newcastle United in their final pre-season fixture on August 15 before competitive action begins.