Arsenal are closing in on the free-transfer signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The Frenchman has reached an agreement with the Premier League champions, according to The Athletic, and was at the club’s Hertfordshire training base on Tuesday to finalise the details and undergo a medical.
His availability owes to a difficult recent spell. Meslier lost his place as Leeds’ number one and was released when his contract expired this summer.
That left the 26-year-old free to move, and Arsenal moved quickly to capitalise. He arrives with genuine pedigree, however.
Arsenal set to sign Meslier on free transfer after Leeds exit
Meslier made more than 200 appearances across seven years at Elland Road, spending five seasons as first choice and helping Leeds to promotion from the Championship.
A dip in form during 2024-25 ultimately cost him his starting role. His arrival addresses a specific squad need.
Arsenal wanted to add an experienced third goalkeeper, and Meslier fits the profile perfectly.
The signing follows the low-cost, high-value approach favoured by sporting director Andrea Berta. As things stand, he will slot in behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
There had been speculation over Kepa’s future, with the Spaniard linked with a move for regular football, but recent reports suggest he is now more likely to stay.
Should Kepa depart, Meslier could yet be promoted. His experience would then make him a natural understudy to Raya, capable of deputising in cup competitions and covering any injury to the number one.
The move also benefits a promising youngster. Meslier’s arrival is expected to free up Tommy Setford to leave on loan, allowing the England Under-21 goalkeeper to gain valuable senior minutes elsewhere.
Meslier will hope the switch revives his career after a chastening final year at Leeds. At 26, he has time to rebuild his reputation, even in a supporting role behind one of the world’s best in Raya.
