Illan Meslier ‘to sign’ for Arsenal on a free transfer | OneFootball

Illan Meslier is said to be close to signing for Arsenal on a free transfer after his Leeds contract expired, The Athletic reports. The French goalkeeper, 26, has spent seven seasons at Leeds.

He would arrive as third choice, behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. His addition would in turn allow 20-year-old Tommy Setford to leave on loan next season.

Meslier joined Leeds from Lorient in 2019, initially on loan. Strong displays in the second half of the campaign prompted the club to trigger a purchase option at the end of the season.

Leeds then won promotion to the Premier League and he remained first choice through to the end of 2024-2025. He was subsequently overtaken by Welsh veteran Karl Darlow, 35.

During 2025-2026, Darlow shared goalkeeping duties with former Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri, leaving Meslier without an appearance that season. Over seven years he made 215 appearances for Leeds, including 107 in the Premier League.

Source: L'Équipe