Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Illan Meslier, who joins the club as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Leeds United. The French goalkeeper, 26, had been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners in recent days and has signed a contract of undisclosed length with the reigning Premier League champions.
Meslier’s departure from Leeds came after he fell down the pecking order, finding himself behind both Karl Darlow, 35, and Lucas Perri. The former France youth international, who earned 13 caps at that level, endured a largely inactive season with the Whites, making limited appearances.
During his seven seasons at Elland Road, Meslier established himself as a key player, making 215 appearances and keeping 70 clean sheets for Leeds. He arrived at Leeds in 2019 from Lorient, initially joining the club’s academy before quickly establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper in the Championship and then the Premier League. His shot-stopping ability and command of his area were key attributes during his time with the Yorkshire club.
Upon completing his move to North London, Meslier expressed his delight, stating he was “extremely happy” to join the champions and eager to “win trophies with this team, because it is a club that must win trophies again and again.” According to reports, Meslier is likely to initially serve as a third-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal, providing cover and competition for David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The signing addresses a need for depth in Arsenal’s goalkeeping department, particularly with the potential for injuries or cup commitments throughout the season. This move provides manager Mikel Arteta with a reliable option between the posts, bolstering the squad as they compete on multiple fronts. The addition of Meslier is expected to provide healthy competition within the goalkeeping ranks and contribute to the team’s overall success.
