Free agent Illan Meslier set to join Arsenal | OneFootball

Out of contract since leaving Leeds United on 1st July, Illan Meslier (26) is expected to sign for Arsenal, according to reports in The Athletic.

Having come through the FC Lorient academy, the French goalkeeper joined the Peacocks in the summer of 2019 – first as a loan, then as a permanent transfer – before establishing himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper until the 2024-25 season, when he was demoted to the bench by Daniel Farke.

Having made 215 appearances (70 clean sheets and 286 goals conceded) for the Ellan Road side, but having seen little action since March 2025, the 26-year-old is now set to begin a new chapter in his career, with the prospect of becoming Arsenal’s third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya (30) and Kepa Arrizabalaga (31).

Tommy Setford (20), who currently holds that role, is expected to be loaned out in the coming weeks to allow him to secure regular playing time.

GFFN | Léo Aschi