Arsenal sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds

Arsenal sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of 26-year-old goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The Frenchman joins the Premier League champions on a two-year contract that includes an option to extend for a third year, according to BBC Sport and Sky Sports News.

Meslier arrives in north London following seven seasons with Leeds United. During his tenure at Elland Road, he made 215 appearances across all competitions and recorded 70 clean sheets. He will wear the number 30 shirt for the Gunners.

The goalkeeper arrives as third-choice behind first-choice David Raya and current second-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga. Raya enters the new season coming off a Golden Glove-winning 2025-26 campaign, where he kept 19 clean sheets in 37 games as Arsenal won the title.

However, the hierarchy of the goalkeeping department remains fluid. There is reported uncertainty regarding Kepa Arrizabalaga's future. Sky Sports News understands that while Kepa is in no rush to leave, he would be open to becoming a number one if a suitable professional and personal offer emerged for his family. If Arrizabalaga departs, Meslier could be promoted to the number two role.

Meslier's arrival is also expected to facilitate the departure of 20-year-old England Under-21 international Tommy Setford, who is now likely to leave on loan after making two senior appearances for Arsenal last season.

The move represents a low-risk acquisition for Mikel Arteta's squad, providing proven Premier League experience without a transfer fee. Meslier made 107 top-flight appearances for Leeds after the club's promotion in 2020. Arsenal believe the goalkeeper still has significant value to offer despite a difficult period at the end of his time in Yorkshire.

Meslier's form dipped in recent seasons, leading to him losing his starting spot under Daniel Farke. According to Sky Sports News, he lost his place to Karl Darlow at the end of the 2024/25 Championship season following three errors that led directly to goals. Last term, Meslier was the third-choice keeper at Leeds behind Darlow and Lucas Perri, failing to make a single first-team appearance.

Goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana is expected to work closely with the Frenchman to rebuild the confidence he possessed when he was regarded as one of Europe's brightest young keepers.

"I'm very happy and very proud to join Arsenal. I cannot wait to show the love that I've got for this badge, and I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again."

Illan Meslier, via bbc.co.uk

Meslier also spoke about his immediate goals upon arriving at the Emirates Stadium.

"First of all, I want to start [working] with the keepers, to show my levels, to continue to develop my skills, my ability. And then obviously to gain some game time, because this is what I missed last year."

Illan Meslier, via independent.co.uk

The goalkeeper's professional journey began in his hometown with FC Lorient. After progressing through the academy, he signed his first professional contract in February 2018 and made his senior debut later that year at age 18, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue win over Valenciennes FC. Following 28 appearances in France's second tier during the 2018/19 season, he joined Leeds on loan in August 2019. He made his debut for the Yorkshire club at the Emirates Stadium in January 2020 during an FA Cup third-round tie.

Arsenal are now preparing for the defense of their league title across four competitions. Meslier will join pre-season training ahead of the opening league fixture against newly promoted Coventry City on August 21.