On July 9, 2026, Arsenal announced the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer after his departure from Leeds United. The 26-year-old Frenchman has agreed to a two-year contract with an option for a third year, bolstering Arsenal's goalkeeping options as he joins the champions of the Premier League.
Meslier's Career at Leeds United
Illan Meslier spent seven seasons at Leeds United, where he made a total of 215 appearances across all competitions, achieving 70 clean sheets. He was the club's first-choice goalkeeper for five years, but his position changed at the end of the 2024/25 Championship season when he lost his spot to Karl Darlow.
Last season, Meslier did not make any appearances for Leeds, being relegated to third-choice behind Darlow and Lucas Perri. His time at Leeds was marked by his contributions to the club's promotion to the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign.
Joining Arsenal as Third-Choice Goalkeeper
At Arsenal, Meslier is expected to serve as the third-choice goalkeeper, providing depth behind David Raya and potentially Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is contemplating his future at the club. The arrival of Meslier allows Tommy Setford, Arsenal's 20-year-old goalkeeper, to go out on loan for further development.
Meslier expressed his excitement about joining Arsenal, stating, "I'm extremely happy. It's a great day for me because I have just joined the champions. For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England. I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again."
Future Prospects for Kepa Arrizabalaga
As Arsenal prepares for the upcoming season, uncertainty surrounds Kepa Arrizabalaga's position. Although Kepa remains as a backup to Raya, he is open to becoming a number one goalkeeper if the right opportunity arises. Currently, he is not in a rush to leave Arsenal, but he may consider options that align with his personal and professional goals.
- Illan Meslier signed on a free transfer.
- Two-year deal with an option for a third year.
- Joined Arsenal after being released by Leeds United.
- Made 215 appearances for Leeds.
- Achieved 70 clean sheets during his time at the club.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Sky Sports Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
