Illan Meslier ‘to join’ Arsenal after ‘turning down’ Birmingham City No.1 offer | OneFootball

Illan Meslier looks set to join Arsenal after leaving Leeds, with reports he preferred the move over a Championship No.1 offer.

The Athletic reports the 26-year-old is due to link up with Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions ahead of their title defence.

The Daily Mail claims Birmingham City offered him a first-choice role, but they could not match the terms available at Arsenal.

Meslier departed Elland Road this summer after seven years. He was third-choice last season behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri, did not play for the first team, and featured only a handful of times for the Under-21s.

He is expected to be back-up in north London, with David Raya holding the No.1 spot. If Kepa Arrizabalaga stays at the Emirates, Meslier could be third-choice again. If Kepa moves on, reportedly for around £5m, his chances of cup minutes would improve, with Raya having sat out the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and a Champions League tie against Kairat Almaty last season.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk