Arsenal have completed the signing of former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer after the Frenchman successfully underwent a medical and signed his contract at the club’s London training centre on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old joins the Premier League champions following the expiry of his contract at Elland Road, ending a seven-year spell with Leeds in which he made 215 appearances across all competitions.
Meslier established himself as Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper for five successive seasons before losing his place under manager Daniel Farke during the 2024/25 campaign. His final appearance for the Yorkshire club came in a 2-2 draw against Swansea City in March 2025.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the deal was completed after Meslier passed his medical and signed the necessary paperwork, with the goalkeeper opting to become part of Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the new season.
Meslier becomes Arsenal’s first new signing of the summer transfer window after the club exercised the option to make Piero Hincapié’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent.
His arrival is also expected to influence the future of highly rated goalkeeper Tommy Setford, with Arsenal prepared to send the 20-year-old England Under-21 international out on loan to gain regular first-team football.
Setford has made only two senior appearances for the Gunners, featuring in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End and coming off the bench in the FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic.
Meslier is expected to provide additional competition for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya and fellow Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga as Arteta strengthens his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Although speculation continues over Kepa’s long-term future at the Emirates, reports indicate Meslier’s arrival is not linked to the former Chelsea goalkeeper’s situation. Kepa remains Arsenal’s principal back-up to Raya despite reportedly having a £5 million release clause in his contract.
