Illan Meslier joins Arsenal after Leeds exile, vows to show his level | OneFootball

Illan Meslier has joined Arsenal on a free transfer after leaving Leeds United, starting a new chapter fuelled by anger and determination following a year on the sidelines. The move was officially announced on Thursday.

Meslier, 26, spent seven years in West Yorkshire and was Leeds’ No 1 until he was dropped for Karl Darlow during the 2024/25 Championship promotion run-in. Darlow stayed ahead last season and the £16 million arrival of Lucas Perri from Olympique Lyonnais left Meslier third choice. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, he did not make a first-team appearance and played only a handful of under-21 games.

Much of his time at Leeds was positive, having emerged under Marcelo Bielsa in the promotion-winning side that later finished ninth in the Premier League. He was once rated among Europe’s best young goalkeepers, though form dipped and there were high-profile errors in 2024/25, including costly moments against Hull and Swansea City.

On signing, Meslier said he had joined the champions, called Arsenal the biggest club in England and viewed the move as a massive opportunity. He added that a difficult year strengthened him mentally and that he returns with anger and determination to prove his level remains high, saying he will try to help a back-to-back bid.

Outlining his style, he prefers making decisions and building from the floor, confident the quality around him will suit his game. He stressed a desire to be decisive at key moments. Arsenal will hope a fresh start helps him rediscover the attributes that once set him apart.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk