​Arsenal have officially announced the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who arrives after leaving Leeds United when his contract expired. The 26-year-old joins Mikel Arteta’s ranks having logged more than 200 senior appearances for Leeds across seven seasons, bringing valuable Premier League and Championship experience gained at Elland Road. Meslier began his career with Lorient before moving to Leeds on loan in 2019, a deal that was made permanent the following year. He helped the Yorkshire club secure promotion to the Premier League and established himself as their first-choice stopper, later earning a spot in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.
In a statement after completing the transfer, Meslier expressed his excitement at joining the Premier League champions and said he is determined to prove why Arsenal signed him. “I want to show why Arsenal signed me,” he said, adding that the chance to work with the club’s players and coaching staff was an opportunity he could not refuse. He also outlined his ambition to continue growing as a player while helping Arsenal contend for the biggest honours, describing the move as the perfect next step in his career. It’s understood that Arsenal’s current second-choice goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has informed the club that he wishes to depart.
Meslier becomes Arsenal’s latest summer acquisition as Arteta continues to bolster the squad ahead of the new campaign. With more than 100 Premier League appearances to his name, the Frenchman brings substantial top-flight experience at just 26, and Arsenal will hope a fresh environment can help him recapture the form that once marked him as one of England’s most highly rated young goalkeepers during Leeds’ return to the top flight.
Everyone at Just Arsenal would like to welcome Illan Meslier to the club and wish him every success in an Arsenal shirt. How do you view Arsenal’s decision to sign Meslier? Could he provide strong competition and reliable cover in the goalkeeping department? Share your thoughts in the comments below.