Arsenal to sign former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier on free transfer
Arsenal are set to sign French goalkeeper Illan Meslier, 26, on a free transfer after his release from Leeds United. Meslier, who made 215 appearances for Leeds over seven seasons but lost his starting spot in 2024-25 due to inconsistent form, will serve as third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The move allows Arsenal to loan out young goalkeeper Tommy Setford. Meslier is undergoing a medical to finalize the deal.
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Meslier: Proud to join Arsenal, Arteta said I will undergo huge changes here
Arsenal's new goalkeeper signing Illan Meslier gave his first official club interview after completing his transfer from Leeds United. The 24-year-old French goalkeeper expressed immense pride in joining the Premier League champions, calling Arsenal 'the greatest club in England.' He revealed that manager Mikel Arteta warned him to expect huge changes and a different level of expectation. Meslier described his proactive, ball-playing goalkeeping style and said he looks forward to learning from Golden Glove winner David Raya. He also noted reuniting with former teammates William Saliba and Ben White. Meslier, who had limited playing time last season, stated he is hungry to prove his value and help Arsenal win back-to-back titles. Off the pitch, he enjoys fishing, cycling, reading, and coffee, and expressed interest in fishing with Arsenal legend David Seaman.
虎扑 - 足球Arsenal Officially Signs Illan Meslier; Multiple Transfer Rumors Surface
On July 9, 2026, Arsenal officially announced the signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer after his departure from Leeds United. The article also reports that Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães, 28, from Newcastle United, wants to join Arsenal, who are champions. Additionally, Arsenal has set 23-year-old English midfielder Morgan Rogers as a priority target; Rogers is currently with the England national team at the 2026 World Cup. Finally, Turkish club Besiktas is close to signing Belgian winger Leandro Trossard from Arsenal, with reports indicating an agreement has been reached between the clubs.
RecordArsenal sign Illan Meslier on free transfer after Leeds exit
Arsenal have completed the free transfer signing of former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a two-year contract with an option for a third year. The 26-year-old French goalkeeper made 215 appearances for Leeds over seven seasons, keeping 70 clean sheets. Meslier expressed his pride in joining 'the biggest club in England' and his ambition to win trophies. He arrives as third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya, who won the Premier League Golden Glove in 2025-26, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, with doubts over Arrizabalaga's future, Meslier could be promoted to the number two role. The signing will allow teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford to leave on loan this summer.
BBC SportIllan Meslier signs for Arsenal
French goalkeeper Illan Meslier, aged 26, has signed for Arsenal after leaving Leeds United as a free agent. The length of his contract has not been disclosed. Meslier, who previously played for Lorient, is expected to serve as backup to David Raya at Arsenal. The move comes as Kepa Arrizabalaga seeks a new challenge after several seasons as Arsenal's number two. Meslier brings significant Premier League experience, having played 215 matches over seven seasons for Leeds. Arsenal officially announced the signing on July 9, 2026, via social media.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertTransfer market: free agent Illan Meslier signs for Arsenal
Arsenal officially announced the signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on Tuesday. The 26-year-old was a free agent after his contract with Leeds United expired. Meslier, a former France U21 international with 13 caps, had been linked to the Gunners for several days and signed an indefinite contract with the reigning English champions. He had fallen behind veteran Welshman Karl Darlow (35) and Lucas Perri in Leeds' goalkeeping hierarchy and is coming off a season without playing time. During seven seasons at Elland Road, Meslier played 215 matches and kept 70 clean sheets. Upon signing, he expressed happiness at joining the champions and eagerness to win trophies. He is expected to serve as third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga at Arsenal.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footFree Agent Illan Meslier Signs for Arsenal
Arsenal officially announced the signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract with Leeds United. The 26-year-old former U21 international, who spent seven seasons at Elland Road making 215 appearances and keeping 70 clean sheets, joins the reigning English champions. Meslier expressed happiness at joining the champions and eagerness to win trophies. He is expected to serve as third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, having fallen behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri in Leeds' hierarchy and coming off a season without playing time.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuIllan Meslier signs for Arsenal as free agent
Arsenal have officially announced the signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The 26-year-old was available after his contract with Leeds United expired. Meslier, a former youth international with 13 caps, had fallen to third choice at Leeds behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri, and did not play any matches last season. He spent seven seasons at Elland Road, making 215 appearances and keeping 70 clean sheets. Upon signing, Meslier expressed his happiness at joining the reigning English champions and his eagerness to win trophies. He is expected to serve as Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footIllan Meslier Joins Arsenal, Calls Club the Biggest in England
Arsenal has signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds United, making him the club's first summer signing. The 26-year-old French goalkeeper, who spent five years as Leeds' starting keeper before losing his position last season, expressed pride and excitement in joining the Premier League champions. In his signing interview, Meslier described Arsenal as 'the biggest club in England' and emphasized his determination to defend the title. He highlighted his proactive goalkeeping style, ability to build play from the back, and eagerness to learn from David Raya and the goalkeeping team. Meslier also recalled his English football debut at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal in 2020 and looks forward to returning there as an Arsenal player. He aims to earn playing time and help the club continue winning trophies.
虎扑 - 足球Arsenal Signs 26-Year-Old French Goalkeeper Illan Meslier
Arsenal Football Club has officially announced the signing of 26-year-old French goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United. Meslier spent seven seasons at Leeds, making 215 appearances and keeping 70 clean sheets. He began his career at Lorient in France, making his first-team debut at age 18. After a loan spell at Leeds in 2019, he helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League and later made the move permanent. Meslier has 107 Premier League appearances and joins Arsenal to strengthen their goalkeeping options. Upon signing, Meslier expressed happiness and pride, calling Arsenal 'the biggest club in England' and stating his desire to win titles. He will wear the number 30 shirt and join pre-season training.
虎扑 - 足球Arsenal set to sign Illan Meslier on free transfer as goalkeeping depth
Arsenal are set to sign former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has given the deal a 'here we go' confirmation. The 26-year-old Frenchman completed his medical in London on Tuesday and has agreed to join Mikel Arteta's project. Meslier, who was released by Leeds after falling out of favor and not featuring in the 2025/26 season, is expected to arrive as a third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya. The move allows young Arsenal keeper Tommy Setford to leave on loan for regular first-team experience. The signing is described as a sensible, low-cost depth addition with Premier League experience and no transfer fee, strengthening Arsenal's squad for domestic cups, European football, and the Premier League title defense.
CaughtOffsideArsenal to Sign Leeds United Goalkeeper Meslier on Free Transfer
According to Fabrizio Romano's 'Here We Go' confirmation, Arsenal will sign Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The 26-year-old French goalkeeper completed his medical on Tuesday and has signed a contract with the club. Meslier, who has a market value of €8 million, was previously Leeds' third-choice goalkeeper last season. The transfer is reported by Hupu Football News, citing Romano's announcement on X.
虎扑 - 足球Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga open to leaving after Illan Meslier deal
Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly open to leaving the club in search of more first-team football, following a major transfer development. The Gunners have agreed a deal to sign French shot-stopper Illan Meslier, who is a free agent after leaving Leeds United, according to BBC Sport and others. Journalist Ben Jacobs reported that there is still no guarantee Kepa will stay, as the Spanish keeper is keen on a starting role elsewhere. Kepa joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer but has mostly served as a backup, starting only in cup competitions including the Carabao Cup final, where he performed poorly in a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. Meslier is expected to replace Kepa as the primary backup to Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper.
CaughtOffsideArsenal set to sign Illan Meslier on free transfer from Leeds
Arsenal are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds United, as first revealed by BBC Sport on 30 June. The 26-year-old French goalkeeper, who has lost his place as number one at Leeds, is out of contract this summer. Meslier and his representatives were at Arsenal's training centre in Hertfordshire on Tuesday to finalize the move and undergo a medical. He is expected to arrive as third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, but could be promoted to number two if Arrizabalaga departs. The signing will allow teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford to leave on loan this summer.
BBC SportIllan Meslier reportedly set to join Arsenal on free transfer
According to The Athletic, French goalkeeper Illan Meslier is on the verge of signing a free transfer deal with Arsenal after leaving Leeds United at the end of last season. The 26-year-old, who spent seven seasons at Leeds making 215 appearances including 107 in the Premier League, is expected to become Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. His arrival would allow 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan next season. Meslier initially joined Leeds in 2019 from Lorient on loan before the club triggered his purchase option. He was Leeds' starter until the 2024-2025 season, when he was overtaken by Karl Darlow, and later shared duties with Lucas Perri during the 2025-2026 season, leaving him without playing time.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footIllan Meslier Set to Join Arsenal on Free Transfer
According to The Athletic, French goalkeeper Illan Meslier is reportedly on the verge of signing a free transfer with Arsenal after leaving Leeds United at the end of last season. The 26-year-old, who spent seven seasons at Leeds and made 215 appearances (107 in the Premier League), is expected to become Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. His arrival would allow 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan next season. Meslier initially joined Leeds from Lorient in 2019 on loan before the club triggered his purchase option. He was the starter until the 2024-2025 season but was overtaken by Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri in the 2025-2026 campaign, leaving him without playing time last season.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footArsenal sign former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier on free transfer
Arsenal have signed French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer after his release from Leeds United. The 26-year-old spent seven seasons at Leeds, making 215 appearances and keeping 70 clean sheets. Meslier expressed pride in joining the Premier League champions and said he cannot wait to win trophies with the club. He is expected to serve as third-choice goalkeeper, allowing 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan. Current backup Kepa Arrizabalaga remains with the club but is considering his future if a suitable offer to become a number one arrives. Meslier lost his starting spot at Leeds in the 2024-25 season after errors and did not play for the first team last term.
SkySports | NewsArsenal set to sign former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier on free transfer
Arsenal are set to sign former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer after he was released by Leeds last week. The Frenchman is expected to become the third-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates, allowing 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan. Current backup Kepa Arrizabalaga will remain as David Raya's deputy for now, but there is uncertainty about his future. Kepa is open to leaving if a suitable offer arrives where he can become a first-choice goalkeeper. Meslier was Leeds' first-choice for five years but lost his place after errors in the 2024-25 Championship season and made no first-team appearances last term. The article also lists Arsenal's first five Premier League fixtures for the 2026-27 season.
SkySports | NewsArsenal agree first summer signing with Illan Meslier, Tommy Setford set to leave on loan
Arsenal have reportedly secured an agreement to sign former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a free agent, marking their first signing of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old, who made 215 appearances for Leeds including 107 in the Premier League, is expected to undergo a medical before joining the reigning Premier League champions. He is tipped to be third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The arrival of Meslier is likely to trigger the departure of 20-year-old Tommy Setford on loan, who made only two senior appearances for Arsenal since joining from Ajax in 2024. The Gunners are also linked with moves for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, PSG's Bradley Barcola, and Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi, while Leandro Trossard may leave for Besiktas for €20 million.
Mirror - Transfer NewsArsenal completes surprise signing of French goalkeeper Ilan Meslier
Arsenal is on the verge of signing French goalkeeper Ilan Meslier as a free agent, following his departure from Leeds United. The 26-year-old, who lost his starting spot at Leeds during the 2024-2025 season due to inconsistent performances, has agreed to join the Gunners and will compete with David Raya for the starting goalkeeper position. Meslier, who made 215 appearances for Leeds over seven seasons, still needs to pass a medical before the transfer is officially announced. At Arsenal, he is expected to serve as a third-choice goalkeeper behind Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, providing experienced depth and allowing younger goalkeepers like Tommy Setford to go out on loan for more playing time.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertArsenal Agree to Sign Former Leeds Goalkeeper Illan Meslier on Free Transfer
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have agreed to sign former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The 26-year-old French goalkeeper is currently a free agent and is expected to serve as a backup option for cup matches, following Kepa Arrizabalaga's decision to leave the club for more playing time. The article notes that Meslier will likely struggle for regular opportunities at Arsenal, as David Raya remains the first-choice goalkeeper. However, the move is seen as an intelligent, low-cost way to add depth to the goalkeeping department, allowing Arsenal to invest in other areas of the squad. Arsenal won the Premier League last season but lost the Champions League final to PSG, and are looking to strengthen the squad, particularly in attack, for the upcoming season.
CaughtOffside