Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The 26-year-old was recently let go by Leeds United, making 205 appearances.However, he did not make a single appearance during the 25/26 season, failing to be third choice in the pecking order behind both Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow. Meslier made himself prominent at Leeds in 19/20, making his debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January 2020. He played the final eight games of the 19/20 season as Kiko Casilla was banned for racism towards Charlton forward Jonathan Leko. He would go on to be the first-choice keeper for five years, until a poor season in 2024/25 saw him dropped by Daniel Farke. Last season, he spent the majority of the season playing in the Premier League 2 with Leeds U21 .Meslier is the eighth goalkeeper to have been signed by Mikel Arteta during his seven-year spell at Arsenal. Role at ArsenalArsenal’s goalkeeper union, led by Iñaki Caña will be getting a new recruit alongside David Raya, and Kepa.(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Meslier is expected to be third choice as well when he arrives at the Premier League Champions, behind both Spaniards, David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, there are rumours that Kepa could leave Arsenal in this transfer window if the right offer comes up; he has a £5 million release clause in his contract, the same release clause that the Gunners activated a year ago. Setford loanEmbed from Getty ImagesOne positive of the move is that Meslier’s signing will allow Tommy Setford to go out on loan and get some crucial first-team football for his development. Setford signed from Ajax in the summer of 2024, and has made two appearances at the club. One in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End, and a cameo in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic.He was seen in the squad for Mikel Arteta’s side during the majority of their title-winning season in 25/26.
Arsenal to sign former Leeds keeper Illan Meslier on a free
