Illan Meslier ‘of interest’ to Premier League champions Arsenal after Leeds exit | OneFootball

Illan Meslier has emerged as a possible target for Premier League champions Arsenal after leaving Leeds United as a free agent today.

The goalkeeper’s contract expired after a season spent as third-choice behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri, during which he did not play a first-team game and featured only for the Under-21s. BBC Sport reports that Arsenal have a strong interest in the 26-year-old.

Mikel Arteta has David Raya as his No 1, but uncertainty around back-up Kepa Arrizabalaga means cover could be required. As a free agent, Meslier represents a low-risk squad addition and, at 26, he still offers upside.

Meslier replaced Kiko Casilla during the 2019/20 campaign amid the Spaniard’s racism ban, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side win the Championship. He became one of the league’s most promising young goalkeepers but did not fully realise that potential at Leeds, remaining first-choice for much of their three top-flight seasons before Sam Allardyce dropped him in a doomed survival bid.

Daniel Farke reinstated him as No 1 until spring 2025, when frequent errors led to Darlow taking over. A move to Arsenal, even as cover for clear first-choice Raya, could bring more minutes than his final year at Elland Road, with Kepa starting 12 times last season as Arteta rotated in the cups, including the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk