Illan Meslier ‘could leave’ Arsenal for Marseille after Leeds exit | OneFootball

Illan Meslier could already be on the move from Arsenal, with Marseille exploring a late deal only weeks after his arrival.

Foot Mercato reports that the Ligue 1 side have made the 26-year-old an active goalkeeping target in the final days of the window, and that they must free up squad space before making a formal approach to Arsenal.

The former Leeds United keeper left Elland Road as a free agent this summer, ending a seven-year stay, then joined the reigning Premier League champions despite David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga already in place.

The hierarchy of Mikel Arteta’s options became clear immediately. Meslier was omitted from the matchday squad for Arsenal’s opening league win against Coventry City, sitting behind Raya and Arrizabalaga as third choice.

A switch to the Stade Velodrome would reconnect him with a club indelibly linked to Marcelo Bielsa, who managed Marseille in 2014-15. Under Bielsa at Leeds, Meslier enjoyed his finest spell, breaking through during the 2019-20 Championship-winning campaign and establishing himself in the Premier League.

With Marseille intent on strengthening before the deadline, a return to France may offer a clearer path to regular football than remaining on the fringes in North London.

Source: Leedsunited.news

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