Arsenal's first signing of the summer may not exactly get the transfer juices flowing, but there are more to come, according to the Athletic's James McNicholas.
The Gunners are set to sign Illan Meslier on a free transfer, following his exit from Leeds United at the end of the season, with the goalkeeper set to become the new third-choice at the Emirates Stadium.
His arrival would allow Tommy Setford to go out on loan and pick up some much-needed game time, but it is in forward areas that Gunners supporters are crying out for signings to be made, particularly with Leandro Trossard set to move on to Besiktas, with a €20million deal agreed and question marks still over the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
What Meslier signing means for Kepa Arrizabalaga
Arsenal's Kepa Arrizabalaga
Pre-Season Friendly - Arsenal v AC Milan - National Stadium, Singapore - July 23, 2025 Arsenal's Kepa Arrizabalaga during the penalty shootout REUTERS/Caroline Chia
Meslier has agreed a deal to move to north London, with McNicholas saying on his Gunnerblog YouTube channel: "Illan Meslier has agreed to sign for Arsenal. He's come in as one of the goalkeeping unit, ostensibly as the third choice, that's the idea at any rate."
But McNicholas also delivered an update on Christos Tzolis, who was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal earlier in the window before things went a bit quiet.
The Gunners have been linked with big-name signings of Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola, with Rogers seen as the number one priority for Mikel Arteta this summer. But Tzolis is likely to be the man to follow Meslier to the Emirates Stadium next.
That does not mean a deal for either Rogers or Narcola will get done though, with Arsenal still working behind the scenes on the duo.
McNicholas added: "Tzolis will probably be the guy that comes in from Club Brugge. I think that'll be the deal that happens, probably about €40million for a player six, seven years younger than Trossard.
When Rogers or Barcola transfers could be completed
Aston Villa's Morgan RogersREUTERS/Chris Radburn
"It's not the marquee signing that anyone's looking for, we're all hoping for that Morgan Rogers, Bradley Bracola figure and, indeed, that's the sort of deal Arsenal would like to do and are working on, but nothing like that is going to take place until after the World Cup and there's probably going to be a lot more brinkmanship before we get there."
Arteta is keen to add to his squad to ensure the Gunners are not a one-season wonder in the Premier League and built on their first title success in 22 years last season.
They have also been linked with a number of central midfielders, with Bournemouth star Alex Scott attracting huge interest from around the Premier League.
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