Arsenal are set to sign former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, according to The Athletic.
The report says Meslier will join pending a club medical. The 26-year-old left Leeds at the end of last season after seven years at Elland Road.
Leeds confirmed in June that Meslier would leave when his contract expired. The club said he played a major part in two Championship title-winning campaigns.
Meslier made 215 appearances for Leeds and spent five seasons as their first-choice goalkeeper. His form dipped during the 2024/25 campaign, and Daniel Farke eventually took him out of the side.
His final Leeds appearance came in a 2-2 draw with Swansea City in March 2025.
Setford Loan Route Opens Up
The move looks like a practical squad decision from Arsenal.
David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga remain Mikel Arteta’s two senior goalkeepers. Meslier would give Arsenal another experienced option behind them without a transfer fee.
ReadArsenal has already covered how Kepa is looking for a move this summer to become a first-choice goalkeeper.
The signing could also help Tommy Setford. The England Under-21 international needs regular senior football after two first-team appearances for Arsenal.
Setford kept clean sheets against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup and Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup. Arsenal can now look at a loan more easily if Meslier completes his move.
Meslier arrives with plenty of senior experience, including Premier League and Championship promotion campaigns. Arsenal have spotted a low-cost chance to strengthen the goalkeeping group while keeping Setford’s development moving.
