According to The Athletic, Arsenal are set to sign Illan Meslier on a free transfer, with the Frenchman expected to replace Tommy Setford as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper.
Following Karl Hein’s permanent move to Werder Bremen, Setford, 20, is set to spend the season out on loan to continue his development. With Arsenal’s academy goalkeepers still relatively inexperienced, the decision has been taken to bring in an experienced option to provide cover and competition for David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Meslier was Leeds United’s first-choice goalkeeper for five seasons, making more than 200 appearances, but lost his place after a series of high-profile errors. On the club’s return to the Premier League last season, manager Daniel Farke instead turned to Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow.
The 26-year-old became a free agent when his contract at Elland Road expired on 30 June.
While there have been rumours that Kepa could leave this summer, with a £5 million release clause in his contract, we’ve been told by sources inside the club that he is expected to remain at the Emirates.