Arsenal move swiftly to complete free transfer for former Leeds goalkeeper
Arsenal’s search for additional depth in the goalkeeping department appears to have moved on quickly, with reports now claiming the club has agreed a deal to sign former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Just a few days ago, we reported that the Gunners were considering a move for the Frenchman following his release by Leeds United this summer. At that stage, interest had been reported, but no agreement had been reached.
According to a fresh report from The Athletic, Arsenal have now finalised a deal to bring the 26-year-old to the Emirates on a free transfer, with the move expected to be completed once he undergoes a medical.
Meslier set to provide goalkeeping cover
The report claims Meslier is expected to join as cover for David Raya rather than challenge immediately for the number one shirt. Arsenal are also believed to view the signing as a way of allowing highly-rated youngster Tommy Setford to gain valuable first-team experience elsewhere on loan next season.
Meslier made his name during Leeds United’s return to the Premier League and was regarded as one of English football’s brightest young goalkeepers. However, his fortunes changed over the past two seasons, eventually falling down the pecking order before his contract expired this summer.
Another smart piece of business?
If the move is completed as expected, Arsenal will be adding an experienced Premier League goalkeeper without paying a transfer fee, something that fits with the club’s recent strategy of strengthening the squad while remaining financially disciplined.
Meslier still has age on his side at 26 and, despite a difficult end to his Leeds career, has already accumulated significant experience in English football.
Whether he can rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s most promising young goalkeepers remains to be seen, but Arsenal appear willing to give him that opportunity.
As always, supporters will now await official confirmation from the club before considering the deal complete.
Would you be happy to see Illan Meslier arrive as Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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If you’re not familiar with his goalkeeping, Google “Meslier howler v Sunderland”, also listed on Youtube as “the worst howler of all time.”
I’m surprised that anyone thinks he’s better than Setford.
This guy has had several howlers. He can have good games but he is flawed and should not be anywhere near the first team. I don’t understand how they can overlook his flaws. Terrible signing.
The lad is an absolute clown and this signing makes NO SENSE AT ALL. WOW!!!!!!
Well, displacing or even challanging Raya is an uphill task, one of the 3 best GKs in the world.
A better choice over Kepa, if he leaves we can recoup our 5M
Mieslier is only 26 and working with Inaki he can surely improve, just as Inaki has made Raya such a world class GK.
Free transfer, so spending, looks good on paper. We have seen worse to worst GKs during Mr Wenger’s reign. Agter Jens, the next best one is Raya.
He might turn out to be good signing
But these are typical signings for us ….. and we don’t understand why we go through the entire season so very anxious game after game!!
I dont get why we bought him based on form this gives me raheem sterling flashbacks
Meslier was once touted as one of the greatest goalkeeping talents in Europe. But then he made several howlers as Leeds U’s form declined, and was then dropped as preferred goalkeeper. He is only 26 years old and Arsenal must believe that they can restore his confidence. Planned as a 3rd goalkeeper and the fact that he was a free agent justifies Arsenal purchase, I think.
Some posters on here moaned about Kepa. Well this fella makes Kepa look like the best keeper in the world. Terrible signing.
If he is coming to replace Setford, maybe OK! But he can’t compete against Raya. Arsenal further need a goalie that compete Raya. Meslier last season at Leeds made no games in whatever competition.
He’s 3rd choice so doubt he’ll see any minutes even if Kepa leaves we would likely sign another keeper anyway .
One of the story’s I’ve read, suggests that Arsenal are going to send Setford out on loan. That would promote Meslier to number two.
Unless they bring in another goalkeeper, as Dan Kit suggests they will.
As DK said hopefully! No competition leads to regression if Raya is denied that opportunity.
No decent goalkeeper is going to come to us to be an understudy to Raya. So we have to keep getting these dodgy goalkeepers who are content to pick up a good wage and play the odd game now and then.