Transfer

Illan Meslier to Arsenal: Gunners sign former Leeds goalkeeper on free transfer

Illan Meslier was out of contract after leaving Leeds at the end of the season; Meslier did not feature for Leeds last season after helping the club to promotion to the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign; Meslier spent seven seasons at Elland Road and made 215 appearances for Leeds

By Sam Blitz and Nick Wright

Thursday 9 July 2026 14:50, UK

Illan Meslier has joined Arsenal on a free transfer after being released by Leeds United last week.

Sky Sports News understands the Frenchman joins on a two-year deal, which includes the option of a third.

He is expected to join as third-choice goalkeeper having spent seven seasons at Leeds, where he made 215 appearances in all competitions, keeping 70 clean sheets.

The 26-year-old said: "I'm extremely happy. It's a great day for me because I have just joined the champions. For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England.

"I'm very happy and very proud to join Arsenal. I cannot wait to show the love that I've got for this badge, and I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, becuase this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again."

Meslier's arrival at Arsenal will allow 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan.

As it stands, it is thought Kepa Arrizabalaga will remain as back-up to David Raya. There is believed to be some uncertainty around Kepa's future this summer.

Sky Sports News understands he would be open to becoming a No 1 if the right club came in for him. As things stand, nothing has developed.

Kepa is in no rush to leave, but if something suitable comes along that works professionally for him and personally for his family, he may consider it.

Meslier was Leeds' first-choice goalkeeper for five years before losing his place to Karl Darlow at the end of the 2024/25 Championship season, during which he made three errors leading directly to a goal.

The Frenchman was third-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road last term - behind Darlow and Lucas Perri - and did not make a single appearance for Leeds' first team.