Transfer

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

Illan Meslier is 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

Sam Blitz

Football Journalist @SamBIitz

Tuesday 7 July 2026 17:15, UK

Illan Meslier is set to join Arsenal on a free transfer after being released by Leeds United last week.

The Frenchman is expected to go in as third-choice 'keeper at Arsenal, which would allow 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan.

As it stands, 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 season - after making three errors leading directly to a goal in that Championship campaign.

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.