​Arsenal’s latest summer signing has sparked mixed reactions among supporters, with some questioning whether Illan Meslier is the right goalkeeper to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad. Dan Smith, however, argues that the deal makes perfect sense and explains why he sees the Frenchman’s arrival as smart business by Andrea Berta. The Champions’ second signing of the summer—following Piero Hincapie on a permanent deal—has divided the fanbase, highlighting the split opinions surrounding Meslier’s move.
Meslier arrived on a free transfer, and it remains to be seen whether he will start the season as the club’s No. 2 or No. 3 in the goalkeeping pecking order at the Emirates. Much could depend on whether Kepa is willing to spend another season on the bench, while it’s believed Tommy Setford will head out on loan to continue his development. The French shot-stopper once enjoyed a strong reputation, but his career hit a rough patch in March 2025 when Leeds United dropped him after a sequence of costly errors. At 26 years old, Meslier seems to have shifted toward the security of steady pay rather than chasing the weekly starting spot, potentially positioning him as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper, at best.
Even in last season’s run to the League Cup Final, Arteta resisted using David Raya, feeling it would be unfair to reward the goalkeeper who had featured throughout the competition. While the manager never guarantees minutes, there remain opportunities in the FA Cup and League Cup for the number two keeper to feature. Kepa made 10 appearances for Arsenal across those cup competitions last season, underscoring the potential for niche chances to play.
There is a case to be made that Meslier could rediscover his confidence under top-tier coaching, particularly in a league where many players peak in their thirties. Recruiting a goalkeeper willing to serve as understudy is never straightforward. You don’t want to overspend on someone unlikely to play regularly, but you also need someone with sufficient experience and ability to step in if injuries occur. That landscape typically narrows the options to three routes: an established veteran, a promising young prospect, or a player attempting to rebuild their reputation.
Meslier sits squarely in that final category. Some Gooners might contend that, given the earnings he’s accumulated over the last year, Andrea Berta shouldn’t have to chase bargain deals. Yet football remains a business, and the logic here is sound: signing a goalkeeper with 107 Premier League appearances on a free transfer represents smart budgeting, especially if Kepa’s release clause is triggered—potentially bringing in around £5 million and removing substantial wages from the books. In my view, that money would be better invested in strengthening other areas of the squad, making this move a clear, sensible choice.
Ultimately, Meslier’s arrival could offer Arsenal a flexible option between competition for the first-choice duties and credible insurance behind Arteta’s preferred starter. It’s a signing that invites debate, but from a financial and strategic standpoint, it aligns with the broader objective of building a competitive, cost-conscious squad. Dan Smith’s take remains that this deal is a pragmatic piece of transfer business by Andrea Berta, designed to balance value, potential upside, and squad depth as Arsenal navigate another demanding season.