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Arsenal are reportedly putting the final touches on an agreement to bring in former Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier.
Meslier is set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium as a free agent following the end of his seven-year spell with Leeds, The Athletic reports, subject to passing a medical. The 26-year-old will become Arsenal's second permanent addition of the summer, with the Gunners having already exercised the option to make Piero Hincapié's loan from Bayer Leverkusen a permanent move.
Meslier served as the first-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road for six of his seven seasons, contributing to two promotions, and also has over 100 Premier League appearances to his name.
However, he suffered a dramatic drop in the pecking order during 2025–26, with Karl Darlow taking over as the first-choice keeper. The French goalkeeper failed to feature in a single minute of senior football for the club, and was instead limited to appearances with the U-21 side.
Why Arsenal Want to Sign Illan Meslier
It's evident that three-time Premier League Golden Glove winner David Raya will remain Arsenal's undisputed number one between the posts for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, Meslier's arrival provides Arsenal with greater flexibility in their goalkeeper depth.
According to multiple reports, Meslier's signing would open the door for Arsenal and England U-21 goalkeeper Tommy Setford to depart on loan. The 20-year-old has considerable potential, but Arsenal believe that regular playing time at a higher competitive level is essential for his progression, per The Athletic.
Veteran keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga currently serves as Raya's deputy, but despite having two years left on his deal, Sky Sports recently indicated that the Spaniard may be receptive to a starting opportunity at another club.
Meslier would slot in as the Gunners' third-choice goalkeeper upon his arrival, though should Arrizabalaga depart, the Frenchman could step up as Raya's primary backup heading into 2026–27.
While his career never fully lived up to the lofty expectations that surrounded his emergence at Leeds, Meslier brings valuable experience to Mikel Arteta's squad, and Arsenal have moved swiftly to secure a player whose only financial outlay will be his wages.
Arsenal's Other Transfer Business
Arsenal may have finally conquered the Premier League summit, ending a 22-year wait in the process, but Arteta has ambitions to reshape the squad and sustain the club's upward trajectory.
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A number of wide attackers have been linked with a move to the club, including Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, with funds for new arrivals expected to be raised through player sales. Leandro Trossard is on the verge of joining Turkish heavyweights Beşiktaş in a deal worth an initial £17.1 million ($22.9 million), while bids are anticipated to be considered for Gabriel Jesus, Fábio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, and potentially even teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri.
Christian Nørgaard could also be allowed to leave, though his exit would likely prompt Arsenal to re-enter the market for additional cover—particularly given that much of the squad has been involved in the World Cup this summer and will have limited rest before the new campaign gets underway.