​Arsenal are edging closer to locking in their latest goalkeeping target, with Illan Meslier reportedly at the Gunners’ training ground yesterday to finalise a move, according to the Daily Mail. The Emirates Stadium club are poised to sign the 6ft 7in French shot-stopper as manager Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his options between the posts in North London. Meslier remains a free agent after leaving Leeds United last week, and he is understood to be keen on a move to Arsenal that could reignite his career at the highest level. At 26 years old, he would likely slot in as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper, with Kepa Arrizabalaga weighing up his options and potentially leaving if Arsenal activate his £5 million release clause.
It appears Meslier has already undergone his medical, at least based on his visit to the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Tuesday. If everything proceeds as hoped, he will provide essential cover and healthy competition for David Raya as Arsenal prepare for the upcoming campaign. The Frenchman could be announced within the week, marking Arsenal’s first summer signing after Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen was converted into a permanent £34.5 million deal. This development comes as part of a broader strategy by the Gunners to strengthen across the squad.
Beyond the goalkeeping department, Arsenal are actively pursuing reinforcements in attack, midfield, and defence. The club’s owners have signaled they will back Arteta again as he builds a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. After securing the Premier League title last season, Arteta is aiming to retain that crown and push further in Europe, with the Champions League representing a major objective after last season’s heartbreak in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal recognize the need for deeper quality across the squad to maintain momentum and compete against Europe’s best. Fans will be hopeful that the club’s recruitment strategy translates into meaningful on-field improvement, delivering stronger competition for places and a more robust rotation that can sustain a title charge and a deeper Champions League run. As Meslier’s situation progresses, supporters will be monitoring closely to see how Arteta’s plan for upgrading the goalkeeping department unfolds and how the rest of the transfer window shapes Arsenal’s prospects for the coming season.