Arsenal set to sign former Leeds goalkeeper Meslier

Arsenal are closing in on their first summer signing with former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier set to join the club on a free transfer. The 26-year-old Frenchman, who spent seven seasons at Elland Road, was released by Leeds last week after his contract expired. His arrival at the Emirates Stadium would provide immediate depth in goal and could pave the way for another squad exit.

A free agent lands at the right time

Meslier’s move to Arsenal follows a difficult final season at Leeds, where he failed to make a single first-team appearance. The Frenchman, once Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper for five years, was demoted to third-choice behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri in 2024-25 after a series of errors contributed to goals in the Championship. His release last week ended a seven-year spell at Elland Road, during which he made 215 appearances, 107 of them in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s interest in Meslier is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad for the title defence. According to reports, the Gunners have finalised arrangements for the goalkeeper to undergo a medical before completing his move. Once at the club, Meslier is expected to slot in behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, providing competition and cover in goal.

Squad reshuffle incoming

The arrival of Meslier could trigger further changes at Arsenal. The club is reportedly preparing to send 20-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford out on loan to free up a place in the squad. Setford made just one senior appearance for Arsenal last season—a substitute cameo in an FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic in February—highlighting the limited opportunities available to him under Mikel Arteta.

Meslier’s signing also comes amid ongoing uncertainty over Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future. While the Spanish goalkeeper is in no rush to leave, Arsenal are open to exploring options that suit both the player and his family. The club’s willingness to move Meslier in as third-choice suggests they view him as a pragmatic solution rather than an immediate upgrade.

Title defence under pressure

Arsenal’s transfer activity this summer reflects the high stakes of defending their Premier League crown. The club has been strongly linked with several attacking reinforcements, including Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. Arsenal’s £100m Rogers dilemma highlights the financial and tactical challenges Arteta faces in reshaping his squad.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Arsenal are also monitoring other targets, with Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi among those in their sights. The Gunners’ transfer business could extend beyond goalkeepers, with defenders and midfielders also under consideration. However, Meslier’s arrival marks the first concrete step in what promises to be a busy window.

The move also underscores Arsenal’s need to balance ambition with pragmatism. With a congested fixture list and the Champions League to contend with, Arteta will rely on depth and competition across all positions. Meslier’s experience, even as a third-choice option, adds a layer of security that could prove invaluable in the coming months.

What comes next?

With Meslier’s medical imminent and a deal expected to be finalised soon, Arsenal are set to make their first signing of the summer. The goalkeeper’s arrival could also accelerate other departures, with Setford’s loan exit likely to follow. Beyond that, Arteta and his staff will continue to assess the squad’s needs, with several high-profile targets still in play.

For Meslier, the move to Arsenal represents a fresh start after a frustrating season at Leeds. While he may not be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, the opportunity to compete for minutes in a title-chasing side offers a chance to revive his career. For Arsenal, the signing is a calculated risk—one that could pay off in the long run.

As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on whether Arteta can strike the right balance between ambition and realism. Meslier’s arrival is just the beginning, but it’s a step in the right direction.