Arsenal ‘hold strong interest’ in Illan Meslier after Leeds exit | OneFootball

Illan Meslier became a free agent today after leaving Leeds United, with the 26-year-old linked to Premier League champions Arsenal.

BBC Sport reports that Arsenal have a strong interest in the goalkeeper amid uncertainty over back-up Kepa Arrizabalaga. David Raya is established as No.1, so cover could be required.

He spent 2025/26 as Leeds’ third-choice behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri, did not make a first-team appearance, and played a handful of Under-21s matches. His exit had been announced in advance, and his contract expired today.

Meslier broke through in 2019/20 when he replaced Kiko Casilla during the Spaniard’s racism ban, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side win the Championship. He was rated among the Premier League’s leading young goalkeepers but never fully kicked on at Leeds.

He remained first-choice for most of Leeds’ three seasons in the top flight before Sam Allardyce dropped him in a doomed survival bid. Daniel Farke kept him as No.1 until spring 2025, then frequent errors prompted Darlow’s recall.

A switch to Arsenal, even as cover for Raya, could bring more minutes than his final 12 months at Leeds. Kepa made 12 starts last season as Mikel Arteta rotated in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, including the final against Manchester City.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk