Ex-Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier appears to be on the verge of a shock move to Arsenal
Illan Meslier is reportedly set to seal an immediate return to the Premier League with Arsenal after leaving Leeds United.
The 26-year-old recently saw his seven-year association with the Whites come to an end when his contract expired at the end of June.
He had made 190 appearances for the West Yorkshire club and lifted the Championship trophy twice, but had not made a single senior appearance during his final campaign.
Illan Meslier made 190 appearances across seven years at Leeds United after joining from Lorient.placeholder image
Illan Meslier made 190 appearances across seven years at Leeds United after joining from Lorient. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
Arsenal ‘set’ to sign ex-Leeds United goalkeeper
According to The Athletic, the Gunners are set to snap Meslier up on a free transfer and add him to their goalkeeping stable.
He would be joining to provide competition for first-choice stopper David Raya and his arrival would potentially open the door for England youth international Tommy Setford to head out on loan.
Meslier may get the chance to feature in cup competitions for the Gunners, but that may depend on whether Kepa Arrizabalaga remains at the Emirates Stadium.
Illan Meslier’s Leeds United farewell
When Meslier left Leeds last month, he said: “I just wanted to take a moment to send this farewell message to every single Leeds United fan. When I arrived at this club in 2019 as a 19-year-old kid, I had no idea what was ahead of me.
“What I found was a club like no other, a fanbase with a passion that is truly unmatched, and a place that has shaped me into the goalkeeper and the man I am today.
Illan Meslier's form at Leeds United nosedived before he lost his place to Karl Darlow in the late stages of the 2024/25 season.placeholder image
Illan Meslier's form at Leeds United nosedived before he lost his place to Karl Darlow in the late stages of the 2024/25 season. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
“I would like to thank all the coaching staff, medical staff and players who have been part of this journey. And also the people at the stadium and the training ground who have been amazing with me from day one to the last day.
“After seven years, the time has come to take on a new challenge and step into a new chapter of my career. Leeds will never leave me. This city, this club, this shirt ; it’s part of who I am now and always will be. Thank you for everything. Marching On Together, always.”
Meslier lost his spot between the sticks to Karl Darlow in 2025 after a series of blunders in Leeds’ Championship title-winning campaign.
Lucas Perri then arrived from Lyon later in the year, demoting Meslier to third place in the pecking order.