Arsenal ‘hold interest’ in Illan Meslier after Leeds departure | OneFootball

Illan Meslier became a free agent today after his Leeds United contract expired, and he has been linked with Premier League champions Arsenal.

BBC Sport reports that Arsenal hold a strong interest in the 26-year-old amid uncertainty over current back-up Kepa Arrizabalaga. Mikel Arteta has David Raya as his first-choice but could require cover.

Meslier spent 2025/26 as third-choice behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri, did not make a first-team appearance and featured only sparingly for the Under-21s. He is now free to sign elsewhere.

He replaced Kiko Casilla during the 2019/20 campaign, when the Spaniard served a racism ban, and helped Marcelo Bielsa’s side win the Championship. Meslier then emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising young keepers but was dropped by Sam Allardyce in a doomed survival bid. Daniel Farke kept him as first-choice until spring 2025, when errors saw Darlow promoted.

As a free agent he is a low-risk squad option and, at 26, remains relatively young for a goalkeeper. A switch to Arsenal, even as cover for clear first-choice Raya, could mean more minutes than his final year at Leeds. Kepa made 12 starts last season as Arteta rotated in the FA and Carabao Cups, including the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

After his summer exit was confirmed in early June, Meslier posted on Instagram to thank staff and supporters, adding that Leeds and the city will always be part of him as he seeks a new challenge.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk