Arsenal to Sign Former Leeds Goalie Illan Meslier

Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of signing Illan Meslier on a surprise free transfer from Leeds United.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper, whose contract with the Whites expired at the end of June, is expected to undergo a medical soon while the fine print is ironed out.

Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff see the former France youth international as a low-risk, high-reward market opportunity to bolster their goalkeeping depth. Meslier will bring extensive experience to north London, having made 215 appearances across seven seasons at Elland Road, where his ball-playing ability was highly utilised under Marcelo Bielsa.

However, Meslier arrives having spent a significant period in the wilderness. He has not played competitively since March 2025, after losing his starting spot to Karl Darlow following a dip in form and a string of costly errors during the 2024-25 English Football League Championship campaign.

Meslier is slated to come in as the Gunners’ third-choice keeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. His arrival will directly trigger a developmental loan move for highly-rated 20-year-old England Under-21 international Tommy Setford, ensuring the young prospect secures crucial first-team football while Arsenal maintain an experienced, multi-front squad.

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