Overview
- Arsenal confirmed on Thursday that they have signed 26‑year‑old Illan Meslier on a free transfer after he left Leeds, with medical formalities completed and a contract agreed.
- Meslier is expected to arrive as experienced cover behind first‑choice David Raya rather than an immediate starter, which shifts the club’s depth chart in goal.
- The goalkeeper spent seven seasons at Leeds with 215 senior appearances and roughly 70 clean sheets but did not play in 2025/26 and last featured competitively in March 2025.
- Reports say Meslier turned down a guaranteed starting role at Birmingham to join Arsenal, a move that followed a recommendation from Arsenal goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana.
- The signing is likely to free academy prospect Tommy Setford for a loan to gain minutes and increase the likelihood of Kepa leaving for regular football, a development that would promote Meslier up the pecking order.