Arsenal are on the verge of completing another transfer deal this summer.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are set to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier following his exit from Leeds United.
Meslier has an extensive experience of playing in England, having made 205 appearances for Leeds during his seven-year stay.
The 26-year-old is expected to provide strong competition for David Raya while effectively replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga as the second-choice goalkeeper.
Kepa only arrived at Arsenal from Chelsea last summer with hopes of revitalising his career.
He made 12 appearances for the Gunners, including starting the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
He never truly convinced when called upon, prompting Arsenal to seek a more reliable backup option this summer.
Meslier is a ball-playing goalkeeper and will suit Mikel Arteta’s system.
The Frenchman established himself as one of Leeds’ most important players before enduring a difficult 2024-25 campaign that affected his confidence.
He has not featured at senior level since making his final Championship appearance in March 2025.
His dramatic decline in form saw him lose his place to Lucas Perri before Karl Darlow eventually leapfrogged both goalkeepers in the pecking order last season.
A fresh start at Arsenal could provide the ideal environment for Meslier to rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s brightest young goalkeepers.
His arrival should also open the door for highly rated England Under-21 goalkeeper Tommy Setford to gain valuable first-team experience on loan elsewhere.
Stats from Fotmob.com
