Illan Meslier set to join Arsenal on free transfer

Published Jul 8, 05:16 PM UTC

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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.

Source report

Arsenal are preparing to add a new goalkeeper to their squad. According to The Athletic, Illan Meslier is on the verge of joining the Gunners after leaving Leeds United on a free transfer at the end of last season.

The 26-year-old French goalkeeper is expected to arrive as the third-choice option, behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. His signing would allow 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan next season.

Meslier's Career at Leeds

Meslier joined Leeds in 2019 from Lorient, initially on loan. His convincing performances in the second half of the season prompted the club to trigger his purchase option at the end of the campaign.

After Leeds returned to the Premier League, the French goalkeeper became the club's starter and held that role until the end of the 2024–2025 season. He was later overtaken by veteran Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow (35). Darlow subsequently shared goalkeeping duties with former Lyon player Lucas Perri during the 2025–2026 season, leaving Meslier without any playing time.

Over seven years, Meslier made 215 appearances for Leeds, including 107 in the Premier League.

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Source

Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footWestern

Original headline: Mercato : Illan Meslier serait sur le point de s'engager librement avec Arsenal

Original language: FR-FR

Part of this Story

Arsenal to sign former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier on free transfer

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