​Arsenal are on the cusp of signing Illan Meslier on a free transfer, with all agreements in place and the deal progressing toward its final stages. The former Leeds United shot-stopper has not yet undergone a medical, but barring any unforeseen issues, he is poised to join Mikel Arteta’s squad as a low-risk, well-defined role player. Meslier, now 26, departed Leeds at the end of last month after seven years at Elland Road. He did not feature at all last season, slipping behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow under Daniel Farke. His last appearance came in March 2025, in a 2-2 Championship draw with Swansea.
Arteta and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana clearly see value in adding Meslier. The plan is for him to arrive as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, providing cover and a steady presence without necessitating a major reshuffle. Arsenal view him as a useful squad option rather than someone brought in to alter the pecking order immediately. This interpretation also means the deal should not be read as a verdict on Kepa Arrizabalaga, who remains the primary competitor to David Raya. Meslier’s arrival adds depth to the squad without reigniting the ongoing battle for the number one shirt.
A more immediate consequence concerns Tommy Setford. Arsenal are open to loaning the 20-year-old out for the season, and Meslier’s signing would give them the flexibility to do so properly. Setford has made only two senior appearances under Arteta, and regular first-team football elsewhere would be more beneficial for his development than another season on the fringes.
This progression represents a sensible chain of decisions: secure an experienced third-choice keeper, then give a young prospect the chance to play regularly. Meslier is likely to become Arsenal’s first major new arrival of the summer, despite Piero Hincapie’s move being made permanent earlier in the window. The club’s bigger target remains Morgan Rogers, though Aston Villa’s reported £130 million valuation presents a short-term obstacle, particularly with the player focused on England’s World Cup campaign.
Leandro Trossard’s situation mirrors that thinking. Arsenal are prepared to allow him to depart this summer, but any potential move to Besiktas is effectively paused while Belgium contends in the World Cup. In sum, Arsenal are methodically strengthening the squad with a pragmatic approach: add a reliable third option in goal, preserve the balance of the squad, and keep strategic flexibility for developing talents while pursuing larger targets in the market.