​Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Illan Meslier as a free agent after his departure from Leeds United this summer, while Kepa Arrizabalaga is said to be seeking a move away from the Emirates, according to the BBC. The Spaniard joined Arsenal just a year ago with the aim of challenging David Raya for the first-choice spot, and the club valued him as a dependable back-up option.
However, Raya remained largely fit throughout the season, which limited Kepa to appearances in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. Raya, by contrast, featured in the Premier League and the Champions League, meaning Kepa had fewer opportunities than he would have liked. Despite Arsenal’s deep runs in domestic cup competitions, Kepa did not play as much as he would have hoped and, as a result, is now looking to leave the club in pursuit of more regular playing time.
The report indicates that Kepa has learned that Meslier is set to join Arsenal and that he is actively seeking another club where he can prove himself. The goalkeeper wants consistent game time this season and does not want to settle for a peripheral role. Arsenal are not expected to block a move if he decides to pursue one elsewhere.
If Kepa remains with the club, he would still need to compete with Meslier for the position of Arsenal’s second-choice goalkeeper and for opportunities to feature in domestic cup ties. Keeping both you could provide strong depth, but neither player is likely to accept a role as third choice, which makes Kepa’s potential departure the more probable outcome before the transfer window closes.
With Meslier anticipated to bolster Arsenal’s goalkeeping ranks, Kepa seems prepared to prioritise regular minutes elsewhere rather than remain in a restricted role at the Emirates.