Illan Meslier to Join Arsenal on Free Transfer

Published Jul 9, 06:13 PM UTC

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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.

Source report

Arsenal are set to bolster their goalkeeping department with the arrival of Illan Meslier, according to The Athletic. The 26-year-old French goalkeeper is expected to join the Gunners on a free transfer after leaving Leeds United at the end of last season.

Role at Arsenal

Meslier would likely serve as the club's third-choice goalkeeper, sitting behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga in the hierarchy. His arrival would also allow 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan next season.

Background and Career at Leeds

Meslier first joined Leeds in 2019 from Lorient, initially on loan. His impressive performances in the second half of that season convinced the club—known as the Peacocks—to trigger their purchase option at the end of the campaign.

After Leeds returned to the Premier League, Meslier became the club's starting goalkeeper and held that role until the end of the 2024–2025 season. He was later overtaken by veteran Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow (35), who then shared duties with former Lyon player Lucas Perri during the 2025–2026 campaign. This left Meslier without any playing time in his final season at the club.

Career Statistics

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

Content shown outside its original language is machine translated; summaries may also be condensed.

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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