Arsenal are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United on a free transfer.
The Gunners are set to bolster their goalkeeping ranks this summer with a move for the Frenchman, according to a report from reputable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The goalkeeper has already undergone a medical with the Premier League champions and has put pen to paper on a contract with the club.
Meslier joins as a free agent after reaching the end of his contract with Leeds United at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Why Arsenal Signed Illan Meslier
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sanctioned the signing of 26-year-old Meslier to join the Gunners as back-up in anticipation of movement from within the club on the goalkeeper front.
The former France U-21 international enjoyed a fine spell at Leeds United after his move to England in 2019, making his debut against Arsenal in 2020.
He remained his side's first-choice goalkeeper as they made their way back to the Premier League, and became the first goalkeeper under 21 years old to record 11 league clean sheets in England's top-flight.
Meslier kept his place as first-choice at Elland Road until March 2025, when a series of errors against Swansea City led manager Daniel Farke to strip him of the number one spot for the final seven games of the season.
He did not play a game for the club afterwards, spending the entirety of the 2025-26 season as third-choice option behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri.
Despite his age, the Frenchman has played over 200 games in the top two divisions of English football, and is very experienced.
His errors in his penultimate season at Leeds United cost him badly, but he is young for a goalkeeper at 26 and can turn it around with the right support at the Emirates Stadium.
What Meslier's Signing Means For Arsenal's Goalkeepers
Meslier's move to the Emirates means that there could be movements from within the club's goalkeeping ranks in the coming weeks.
Highly-rated academy goalkeeper Tommy Setford was third-choice in the 2025-26 season, but the 20-year-old is set for a loan move to gain experience with regular minutes.
Spain international Kepa Arrizabalaga served as back-up to David Raya after his £5 million transfer from Chelsea last summer, playing in cup games.
The Spaniard is said to be open to an opportunity to play as a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere and could possibly be set to leave North London this summer.
Meslier will be third-choice upon his arrival at Arsenal, but will become the second-choice goalkeeper if Kepa finds a new club this summer.
