Arsenal sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier on free transfer from Leeds United

The signing

Arsenal have completed the free transfer of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United. The 26-year-old Frenchman has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further year. He will wear the number 30 shirt and link up with his new teammates for pre-season training ahead of the opening league match against Coventry City on August 21.

From Lorient to Leeds

Meslier began his career at hometown club Lorient, graduating through the academy and making his senior debut in 2018 at age 18. After 28 league appearances in the 2018-19 season, he joined Leeds on loan in August 2019. He helped the Yorkshire club secure promotion to the Premier League in his first season and later made the move permanent.

Meslier's Leeds career

Meslier spent seven seasons at Leeds, making 215 appearances in all competitions and keeping 70 clean sheets. He went on to make 107 Premier League appearances for the club. However, he lost his place as number one and was out of contract this summer, making him available on a free transfer.

What Meslier said

I'm very happy and very proud to join Arsenal. I cannot wait to show the love that I've got for this badge, and I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again.

He also spoke about his immediate goals:

First of all, I want to start with the keepers, to show my levels, to continue to develop my skills, my ability. And then obviously to gain some game time, because this is what I missed last year.

Goalkeeping hierarchy

Meslier arrives as third-choice behind first-choice David Raya, who won the Premier League Golden Glove in 2025-26 with 19 clean sheets in 37 games as Arsenal won the title. Current second-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga's future is uncertain, and if he departs, Meslier could be promoted to the number two role. Teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford will leave on loan this summer as a result of Meslier's arrival.