Mikel Arteta does Liverpool a massive favour

Arsenal and Liverpool have managed to become rivals over the last couple of seasons.

No matter what happens in the campaign, both clubs just want the worst for one another.

Obviously, the rivalry is down to trophies and players rather than locality but, it would be hard to find two sets of fans who aren't local rivals who dislike one another more.

But, to be fair, there aren't many teams or fanbases who actually do like Arsenal at all.

Despite this, deals have always been done between the two clubs with recent rumours even linking Ethan Nwaneri with a move to Anfield this summer.

Players from other clubs have also been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool which has meant that the two have been put against one another in a lot of transfer deals.

However, it seems like the reigning Premier League champions may have just done the Anfield outfit a massive favour.

Arsenal are eyeing a move for Ezri Konsa instead of Jarell Quansah

Everyone knows that both Arsenal and Liverpool were on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer.

Both teams have had their eyes on many different players with the Reds actually managing to bring in two new centre-backs.

Last term, Arsenal's defence was one of the best in the Premier League, if not the best but, with William Saliba out of action for a while, they've been looking for ways to get things back on track.

That's where Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah came into view.

Both defenders can play as a centre-back or a right-back with Iraola also interested in acquiring one of their services.

Indeed, Liverpool only sold Quansah last summer and did have a buy-back clause but, after that had expired, the Gunners threw their hat into the ring.

This led to all sorts of panic at Anfield as, most people believe Quansah will be the Reds' first signing next summer when his new buy-back clause becomes active.

However, fortunately for them, an update from journalist Ben Jacobs has put that rumour to bed.

"Arsenal confident on agreeing a fee to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa," he wrote.

"Club-to-club talks now advanced. Big gulf in valuation earlier this summer as Villa asked for £60m+ and Arsenal bid £30m, but parties expected to reach an agreement.

"Konsa always the top target despite interest in Jarell Quansah and Jacobo Ramon, plus John Stones prior to his Inter move."

Liverpool's plans for Jarell Quansah remain intact

Quansah's performances at the 2026 World Cup proved to most Liverpool fans that it was a mistake to sell him.

Arne Slot didn't really trust him which wouldn't have helped matters much but, the fact that the Reds were in desperate need of defenders in Quansah's specific positions further proves that it was the wrong decision to move him on.

Admittedly, a lot of people knew that, with Liverpool including the buy-back clauses that the defender was highly likely to make his Anfield return at some point.

Not only is he homegrown but, if he spends another season in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, he'll also have a tonne of experience and will probably be a regular feature in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

The fact that Ronald Araujo has only been brought in on a season-long loan with an option to buy rather than an obligation also shows that the Reds are casting half an eye on their future plans.

By the 2027-28 transfer window, Liverpool will need a new defender and will almost certainly still be struggling with their homegrown quota.

All of these issues point towards Quansah coming back to L4 and, since Arsenal have chosen to spend £60 million on Konsa instead, it feels like they could end up having a free run at signing him next term.

Or, that's what Liverpool's recruitment team will be hoping for, anyway.