Ray Parlour rules out Arsenal, Leeds United deal | OneFootball

Ray Parlour does not see Illan Meslier ever making the switch to North London.

Former Arsenal favourite Ray Parlour has claimed that Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier will not join the Gunners despite links this month.

Meslier has been the subject of Premier League interest, with Arsenal linked with a move for the Leeds goalkeeper.

It has been reported that the goalkeeping position is one the Gunners are keen to bolster. While David Raya is the clear number one, second choice, Neto, is not believed to be a long-term solution.

With Neto currently on a season-long loan deal at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta is keen to strengthen his goalkeeping options by bringing in a younger understudy for Raya.

Meslier has been named as a player that Arsenal are considering to fulfill this role, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

However, Parlour has played down the move and does not see Meslier ever making the switch to North London.

Ray Parlour dismisses Arsenal move for Leeds' Meslier

Speaking to NetBet Online Casino, Parlour played down the likelihood of Meslier ever making the switch to the Emirates Stadium.

He said: “I don’t think Meslier is likely to be an Arsenal player in the future. David Raya is number one and an outstanding goalkeeper.

“Neto looks like an adequate replacement for Raya, but I don’t see this happening at all.”

Mistakes have damaged Illan Meslier's reputation

It does not feel too long ago that Meslier was hyped up to be one of the best young goalkeeping prospects in world football, but mistakes have derailed that proposition.

The Frenchman was the culprit earlier in the season, as he gifted Sunderland a dramatic late equaliser at the Stadium of Light after appearing to misjudge a simple bouncing ball.

The 24-year-old was again at fault as Leeds squandered a two-goal advantage to draw 3-3 with Hull City. The Frenchman was arguably to blame for all three goals and is becoming a hindrance to their automatic promotion hopes.

Such errors would surely put off Arsenal, although if he were signed as an understudy to Raya, then they may still consider him a promising backup option.

Arsenal's reported interest in Meslier is surprising, considering the goalkeeper's recent turmoil. However, he could provide a decent back-up option for Arteta.

While there is interest in the Frenchman, he remains Leeds' number one, and it would likely take a substantial bid for the Championship outfit to depart with him.