Arsenal Close to Signing Free Agent Illan Meslier

Arsenal are on the verge of bringing in former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, according to reliable reports. The 26-year-old Frenchman has been without a club since his contract with the Whites expired following seven campaigns at Elland Road. Meslier boasts 215 appearances for Leeds, during which he conceded 286 goals and kept 70 clean sheets. However, his form dipped sharply in the 2024–25 season, leading manager Daniel Farke to drop him from the first-team setup. The shot-stopper ended up making just two outings for the U-21 side, shipping six goals in those matches. Arsenal’s move for Meslier is expected to pave the way for young Tommy Setford to head out on loan in search of regular minutes. Lorient, where Meslier came through the academy, banked €6.5 million when he joined Leeds back in July 2020. Now the Gunners look set to add experienced depth between the posts without spending a penny in transfer fees.