Premier League
Arsenal is about to finalize the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who arrives at the Emirates Stadium after leaving Leeds United in this summer transfer market. The Gunner team continues to strengthen their rotation in order to repeat the title in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's technical secretariat has taken advantage of his free agent status to reinforce their goalkeeper options without any transfer fees. The French goalkeeper will undergo the club's medical examination immediately, a necessary procedure that will unlock the squad's goalkeepers' situation and facilitate the loan of young Tommy Setford.
Arsenal Completes the Signing of Illan Meslier
The addition of the 26-year-old French goalkeeper provides the first team with a competitively experienced player in British football at no cost. The Premier League elite perceived an irresistible market opportunity with the availability of a goalkeeper who defended Elland Road's goal in 215 official matches over seven seasons. Negotiations were swiftly concluded as the technical profile of the former Lorient player aligns perfectly with the demands of the Spanish manager and goalkeeper coach, Iñaki Caña.
With this administrative move, the Gunners assemble an experienced goalkeeping roster to face the toughest local and European challenges. The French footballer will train at Colney alongside internationally renowned figures like Spanish David Raya and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who hold the starting positions in London. The primary goal is to ensure a deep bench capable of performing consistently throughout the packed schedule of the upcoming season.
Illan Meslier's Background in England
Illan Meslier's journey in the English leagues began in the summer of 2019 when he joined Leeds on loan from Lorient, a team battling in the Championship. Initially a backup to Kiko Casilla, he seized the starting position in February 2020 after the Spaniard received an eight-match ban for racist insults towards Jonathan Leko of Charlton Athletic. The French goalkeeper made an immediate impact, keeping multiple clean sheets in the remaining ten league games.
His outstanding performances led to a permanent transfer and secured his undisputed starting role for an additional four and a half seasons in England's top tier. However, his form declined last season, prompting manager Daniel Farke to bench him, with his final official appearance being a 2-2 draw against Swansea City in March 2025. Despite this setback, London scouts believe he retains the potential to be an elite part of the rotation at Arsenal.
Tommy Setford's Plan at Arsenal
The successful completion of the French goalkeeper's deal brings a promising opportunity for Arsenal's academy. The Emirates Stadium offices will allow the loan of Tommy Setford, the England U21 international goalkeeper who needs playing time to further develop his skills. The 20-year-old goalkeeper featured in two official matches for the first team under Mikel Arteta's management, playing against Preston North End in the League Cup and substituting for Kepa in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic without conceding any goals.
The upcoming days are crucial for completing the mandatory medical exams and finalizing the labor contracts. Arsenal's technical secretariat plans for Setford to start the preseason with his new club. With Illan Meslier's cost-free arrival well underway, the North London team ensures a solid international-standard bench, keeping their goal secured against the big challenges of the season.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Arsenal cierra un fichaje a coste cero
