Arsenal set to sign ex-Leeds star on a free transfer

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier following his departure from Leeds United, talkSPORT understands.

The move is advancing for Meslier, who left Elland Road following the expiration of his contract last month.

Getty

The Frenchman endured a difficult end to his time at Leeds, slipping to third choice goalkeeper following the signing of Lucas Perri last summer.

He failed to register a competitive appearance last season and was resigned to a handful of Under-21 matches.

The 26-year-old, who earned £80,000-a-week wages at Elland Road, will undergo a medical before penning a contract with the north London club.

Meslier will play back-up to David Raya with current second-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga set to leave the club this summer.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is understood to want further Premier League experience between the sticks.

It would also allow Arsenal’s England U21 goalkeeper Tommy Setford to leave the club on loan in the search for first-team experience.

Meslier announced himself to English football in the 2019/20 campaign when he replaced former Whites shot-stopper Kiko Casilla.

He quickly impressed before going on to cement himself as the club’s no.1 goalkeeper but was unable to reach the ceiling most people had anticipated.

Meslier was first-choice upon the arrival of boss Daniel Farke but lost his place in the spring of 2025 to Karl Darlow following a string of high-profile errors.

His final appearance for Leeds came in a 2-2 draw with Swansea in March 2025.

Getty

Meslier claimed two Championship title successes during his time at the club and was named in the 2023/24 PFA Championship Team of the Year.

What next for Kepa?

The Spaniard has attracted the attention of clubs in Italy and Spain.

The 31-year-old has been told he can leave the Emirates Stadium but only if their valuation of £5million is met by interested parties.

Kepa made just 12 appearances last season, most of which came in domestic cup competitions.

His lack of game time could see him bring his eight-year spell in English football to an end. 

Kepa became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper when he signed for Chelsea in 2018 for £71.6m.

Getty

Loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth followed before signing for Arsenal last summer.