Illan Meslier 'to join' Arsenal after turning down Birmingham No.1 role | OneFootball

Illan Meslier is reportedly set to join Arsenal after turning down a chance to be Birmingham City’s No.1.

The Athletic reports the former Leeds United goalkeeper, 26, is due to link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claims Birmingham offered him the first-choice role but could not match Arsenal’s terms.

Meslier left Leeds this summer after seven years when his contract expired. He spent last season as third-choice behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri, made no first-team appearances and played only a handful of Under-21 games.

At Arsenal he is expected to be second-choice at best, with David Raya holding the No.1 shirt. If Kepa Arrizabalaga remains, Meslier would likely be third-choice again.

Kepa is reportedly available for around £5m, and his exit would boost Meslier’s prospects of cup minutes. Last season, Raya did not feature in the Carabao Cup or FA Cup and was rested for a Champions League trip to Kairat Almaty.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk