Premier League-experienced keeper set to join Arsenal
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 08.07.26. | 18:18
Once the former Leeds United custodian arrives at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners could boast the strongest goalkeeping unit in the league
While their fans are looking forward to high-profile additions such as Ayoub Bouaddi and Bruno Guimaraes, who have reportedly been on the club's radar, Arsenal are strengthening their goalkeeping unit.
The three first-team custodians - David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Tommy Setford - are set to be joined by the former Leeds United goalie, Illan Meslier.
🚨💣 Arsenal are set to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier, following the expiration of his contract at Leeds United. His arrival, pending a club medical, would potentially allow Tommy Setford to leave on loan. ✅🇫🇷 [@gunnerblog] pic.twitter.com/QFCtwCpqEY
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 7, 2026
The 26-year-old is a product of Lorient's academy, where he began his professional career. In 2019, he joined the Whites on loan, and a year later, his move to Elland Road was made permanent.
In seven seasons with Leeds, Meslier made 215 appearances and was a Premier League regular in three campaigns, collecting valuable experience.
Last season, manager Daniel Farke dropped him to the bench in favor of Lucas Perri, who had joined the club from Olympique Lyon in July 2025 for £15.6 million. As a result, Meslier played only two games for Leeds U-21, and his contract with the Whites expired a week ago.
Given the Frenchman's considerable Premier League experience, the Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana wasted no time in moving for him, recognizing a great opportunity to sign a quality custodian as a free agent.
According to The Athletic, Raya and Kepa will remain Arteta's top two goalkeeping options, while Meslier should replace Setford as the third choice, which would open the door for the 20-year-old Setford to head out on loan, play regular first-team football, and gain valuable experience.