Arsenal are looking to bolster the squad in the transfer window and have done so by wrapping up a second signing of the summer
14:27, 09 Jul 2026Updated 14:50, 09 Jul 2026
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Illan Meslier has signed for Arsenal(Image: Arsenal)
Arsenal have announced the signing of Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The Frenchman will arrive as a support act for current No. 1 David Raya.
Meslier, who has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea, joins the north Londoners after seven years at Leeds United. He is the second player to arrive at the Emirates Stadium for Mikel Arteta's side, after Piero Hincapie made his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent in a deal worth around £34.5million.
When the move was wrapped up, Meslier admitted he was thrilled to join the reigning Premier League champions.
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After putting pen to paper, Meslier said: "I’m extremely happy. It's a great day for me because I have just joined the champions. For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England.
"I'm very happy and very proud to join Arsenal. I cannot wait to show the love that I've got for this badge, and I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again."
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Last season, Meslier found himself behind Karl Darlow in the pecking order at Leeds. The latter's strong displays for Daniel Farke's side limited him to only two Premier League appearances.
Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to leave the club this summer. The Spaniard is understood to have a £5million buyout clause which would allow him to depart.
Arsenal new signing Illan Meslier at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 07, 2026 in London Colney, England
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Meslier is the latest player to arrive at Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It's understood by football.london Meslier has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year at the club. While he will be competing with Raya, who looks close to undroppable outside of the League Cup and FA Cup, Meslier is looking forward to working with the Spaniard.
The new Gunner said: "David and Kepa - I've played against them since I joined Leeds so I know them. They're great goalkeepers, and the goalkeeping coach Inaki [Cana], I’ve known him since he was at Brentford.
Arsenal new signing Illan Meslier at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 07, 2026 in London Colney, England
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Meslier will wear the No. 30 shirt(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"So I'm really excited to work with them, because I'm sure I have a lot to learn from them. David is an extremely good keeper. I love his style of play.
"I'm really excited to see the backstage of his work. I just see him on a matchday, but I'm really excited to see how he works during the week. Obviously, if I can have a look and receive some tips from him, it would be more than welcome.”
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