Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack has criticised the club's decision to sign Illan Meslier from Leeds United, describing it as a 'strange signing' and questioning the Frenchman's ambition.
Meslier's move to Arsenal
Meslier joined Arsenal on a free transfer in July after his contract at Leeds expired the previous month. The 26-year-old spent six seasons at Elland Road, making 215 appearances in all competitions and helping the club win two promotions to the Premier League in 2020 and 2025.
However, Meslier was frozen out by Daniel Farke last campaign, failing to make a single first-team appearance after dropping behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow in the pecking order. He arrived at the Emirates to serve as backup to David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, making his debut against Girona in a pre-season friendly earlier this month.
Stack's concerns
Meslier's arrival looks set to force young keeper Tommy Setford out on loan before deadline day, an outcome that has not pleased Stack. Speaking to Metro via Lad Casino, Stack said: 'Look, he's experienced, but it's highly unlikely that you would use him. My question is, is there not another goalkeeper at Arsenal Football Club that's capable of that? What are they doing at the club that they're not producing any goalies? They just keep signing goalies. At what point is there going to be an Arsenal goalkeeper that's going to, not even break through, but I'm talking about being a number three.'
Stack also questioned why Meslier would accept a third-choice role at his age, accusing him of 'throwing the towel in'. He added: 'I question him, I really do question the goalkeeper. The reason I say that is that he's got Premier League experience, he's played countless games in the Premier League, he's got bundles of experience, been at Leeds for I don't know how many years. He's played loads of games, and maybe he doesn't have that burning desire to go and play games and put himself under pressure. Maybe that's what he's after. But I'm just surprised with someone of Meslier's quality that he's decided to almost chuck the towel in and be a number three.'
Arsenal's transfer activity and title hopes
Alongside Meslier, Arsenal turned Piero Hincapie's loan move from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent deal, while Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes have joined from Club Brugge and Newcastle United, respectively. The club are still eyeing more signings at left wing and centre-back.
Despite his concerns, Stack believes Arsenal remain heavy favourites to retain the league title. He said: 'Absolutely, Arsenal will win it. I think Arsenal will be buzzing after last year, and think it's a situation now where it's basically the monkey off their back. They will be going into the season absolutely buzzing, and with the signing of Guimaraes and probably more to come between now and the start of the season, I think they will definitely strengthen.'
Stack added: 'The only concern would be how fatigued some of the players might be after Christmas in the crunch end of the season, when there are so many games in the league, domestic competitions and the Champions League, especially after a summer World Cup. Rotating the squad is going to be key this season, so stopping players getting fatigued and looking tired just requires a big enough squad to make the changes and rotate players effectively. Just keep freshening it up. I fancy Arsenal to go and win it, but I think that it will be a close-run race with Man City, I think City will be close behind them.'
