Arsenal are set to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer following his departure from Leeds United, according to Sky Sports. The Frenchman’s contract with Leeds expired last week, making him available on a Bosman deal.
Meslier, 26, experienced a decline in form at Elland Road after previously being highly regarded. Last year, Leeds invested €16 million in Lucas Perri from Lyon to establish him as their first-choice goalkeeper, pushing Meslier down the pecking order. Despite Perri’s arrival, Leeds continued to struggle for stability in the goalkeeping position, with Karl Darlow also making 22 Premier League appearances.
Consequently, Meslier found himself relegated to the reserve team and both he and Darlow have now left the club. Darlow has been linked with a move to Manchester United, while Meslier is poised to join Arsenal as a nominally third-choice goalkeeper. The signing of Meslier will allow Arsenal to loan out promising young goalkeeper Tommy Setford to gain regular senior playing time.
However, Meslier’s role at Arsenal is not yet definitively established, as the future of Kepa Arrizabalaga remains uncertain. Kepa is currently David Raya’s backup, but is reportedly open to leaving if an opportunity to be a number one arises. This situation means Meslier could become either the second or third-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium.
There is some concern surrounding the potential risk of the deal, given Meslier’s recent error-prone form. He is considered by some to be even more susceptible to mistakes than Kepa, who was at fault for a goal in the Carabao Cup final last season. Nevertheless, Meslier will become Arsenal’s second summer signing, following the permanent transfer of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.
