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

Illan Meslier became a free agent today after his Leeds United contract expired, and the goalkeeper is being linked with Premier League champions Arsenal.

According to BBC Sport, Arsenal hold a strong interest in the 26-year-old as uncertainty surrounds second-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga, with David Raya established as Mikel Arteta’s No.1.

Meslier spent 2025/26 as Leeds’ third-choice behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri and did not make a first-team appearance, featuring only a handful of times for the Under-21s.

He broke through in 2019/20 when replacing Kiko Casilla during the Spaniard’s racism ban, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side win the Championship, and was among the Premier League’s most promising young goalkeepers.

He kept the gloves for much of Leeds’ three seasons in the top flight before Sam Allardyce dropped him in a doomed survival bid, and Daniel Farke persisted until spring 2025 when errors led to Darlow taking over.

He represents a low-risk squad option and, even as cover for Raya, could see more minutes than in his final year at Leeds. Kepa started 12 times last season as Arteta rotated in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, including the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

After his departure was confirmed in early June, Meslier posted a farewell on Instagram, thanking supporters and staff for seven years and saying he is ready for a new chapter.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk