Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Illan Meslier on a free transfer, with the former Leeds United goalkeeper set to bolster the Gunners' goalkeeping options. The 26-year-old Frenchman left Leeds at the end of last month after seven years at the club, and Arsenal have moved quickly to secure his services.
Deal Agreed but Medical Pending
Meslier is yet to undergo a medical, but a deal has been agreed with Arsenal and it is expected to be finalized shortly. The goalkeeper did not play a single minute for Leeds last season, having fallen down the pecking order under manager Daniel Farke. Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow were preferred ahead of him, and his final appearance for the club came in March 2025, a 2-2 draw with Swansea in the Championship.
Third-Choice Role at Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana view Meslier as a good option for the squad, and he is set to be third choice as it stands. His arrival is not understood to be related to Kepa Arrizabalaga's future, with the Spaniard still viewed as the primary competition for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Setford Loan Likely
The signing of Meslier is more relevant for Tommy Setford. Arsenal would be open to letting the 20-year-old leave on loan this season and will consider what move is best for his development. Setford has only made two senior appearances under Arteta, and it is felt that a temporary departure to become first-choice elsewhere would be hugely beneficial.
Other Transfer News
Arsenal made Piero Hincapie's move a permanent one earlier this summer, but Meslier is in line to become the first new arrival of the window. The Gunners hope that Morgan Rogers will join him. The midfielder is Arsenal's top transfer priority, but Aston Villa are demanding a fee in the region of £130 million. Progress on that is unlikely to be made before the end of the World Cup, with Rogers' full focus on England's campaign.
Similarly, Leandro Trossard's potential move to Besiktas is on hold. While Arsenal are expected to sanction Trossard's departure this summer, the green light from the 31-year-old has been put on hold with Belgium reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
