Arsenal FC v Everton FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Arsenal FC v Everton FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly planning a move for Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier. The 24-year-old joined The Whites in the summer of 2020 from FC Lorient for a reported €6.5 million (as per Transfermarkt).
Meslier has kept 11 clean sheets this season while conceding only 15 goals in 21 club games across competitions. Leeds United are currently just three points shy of EFL Championship league leaders Sheffield United with 42 points in 21 games.
However, the French goalkeeper's performances haven't been shy of errors. His 'goals prevented' statistic this season is less than zero (-1.37) in the EFL Championship and he has amassed an underwhelming rating of just 6.79 on Sofascore.
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In a recent interview on the YouTube channel KS1 TV, journalist Steve Kay was asked about Mikel Arteta's transfer plans in the upcoming January transfer window. According to Kay, the Leeds United goalkeeper might be on his way to the Emirates Stadium.
"There’s a few. Arsenal are looking at a goalkeeper. Possibly a goalkeeper could come in in January. I have been given a name. The Leeds goalkeeper is someone I’ve been told. I need to look into that. It’s not from one of my top sources if you like but it’s one we’re keeping an eye on. Illan Meslier," said Steve Kay.
Despite a string of underwhelming performances for Leeds United, the Gunners would be looking for a backup goalkeeping option after David Raya and Neto. However, it remains to be seen whether coach Daniel Farke would part with his first-choice goalkeeper in the middle of the season.
When Alan Shearer hailed Arsenal's David Raya as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League
David Raya - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
David Raya - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Football pundit and Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer lavished praise on Arsenal's David Raya and named him one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. The Spaniard joined the Gunners in the summer of 2024 for a reported €31.9 million (via Transfermarkt).
In an interview with Betfair (via Footytimes), Alan Shearer praised Raya and compared him with the likes of Alisson and Ederson.
"When you look at what Ederson does for Man City and Alisson at Liverpool, I wouldn’t say Raya is the best in the Premier League, yet. There’s no doubt he’s up there though as one of the best," he said.
The 54-year-old also lauded Mikel Arteta for showing faith in the Spanish shot-stopper.
"You’ve got to give Arteta credit for doing that because it certainly has worked out, for the better. Raya is exactly what Arsenal and Arteta wanted in terms of a ball-playing goalkeeper, who can start moves the way Arsenal want," he continued.
David Raya has already kept 10 clean sheets in 22 games for the Gunners this season while only conceding 17 goals.