Illan Meslier says he arrives at Arsenal with “anger and determination” after spending the past year out of the picture at Leeds United.
The Gunners have signed the Frenchman on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Elland Road, and he’s expected to serve as Mikel Arteta’s third-choice goalkeeper behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Having made more than 200 appearances for Leeds, Meslier arrives with plenty of experience but also a point to prove. A series of high-profile errors towards the end of the club’s Championship-winning campaign in 2024/25 saw him dropped by Daniel Farke, and he slipped to third choice behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow last season.
It has been a bitter pill to swallow for a player who, during his debut Premier League campaign, became the first goalkeeper aged under 21 to keep 11 clean sheets in a season.
Reflecting on his fall from grace, Meslier told Arsenal.com: “Last season was a special year, strangely enough for me. Unfortunately, this happens a lot in the careers of players. But I never give up. I keep working very hard every day, training, always being ready for the players who need help.
“I worked a lot mentally because I had a different perspective on football and training. It helped me a lot, to be honest. So I come back this year with a lot of anger and determination. I want to give everything and show my level is still high and that Arsenal did a great job to take me.”
In reality, unless Raya or Kepa suffer injuries, opportunities are likely to be few and far between. Meslier’s primary role will be to provide experienced competition in training and dependable cover if called upon, even if his own ambitions extend beyond that.
“First of all, I want to start [working] with the keepers, to show my levels, to continue to develop my skills, my ability,” he said.
“And then obviously to gain some game time, because this is what I missed last year.
“This year, I want to show that I want to play. I cannot wait to show the love that I’ve got for this badge, and I cannot wait to lift some trophies, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again.”
Meslier’s arrival is also expected to pave the way for Tommy Setford to spend the season out on loan. The England under-21 international already has a couple of senior appearances to his name, but regular first-team football is the logical next step in his development. Whether that comes in England or abroad remains to be seen.