Birmingham City offered to make Illan Meslier number one but couldn’t match Arsenal’s wages | OneFootball

Arsenal are set to bring Illan Meslier to the club to boost their goalkeeping ranks after he left Leeds United.

The Frenchman is a free agent and was at the Gunners’ training ground on Tuesday before signing his contract.

However, Birmingham City attempted to pip Arsenal to Meslier by offering him their first-choice goalie role, according to the Daily Mail.

The Championship club could not match the terms on offer at the Emirates Stadium, and the 26-year-old has opted to sign for the Gunners instead.

Playing in the Premier League and for the reigning league champions is more appealing to Meslier.

The Frenchman has the opportunity to play in the Champions League and win major trophies.

He is desperate to get his career back on track after losing his place at Leeds and not making a single appearance last season after becoming third-choice goalie.

The soon-to-be Arsenal player is hoping a move to the Gunners reignites his career.

He is set to become the second-choice goalie behind David Raya as Kepa Arrizabalaga is exploring a move away this summer.

The Spaniard is available to leave if his £5 million clause is activated and is looking to become a first-choice goalie elsewhere.

Meslier was once tipped to become a France international after some fine performances under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds.

However, he was dropped for the final seven matches in favour of Karl Darlow last season.