Arsenal to sign Premier League 26yo on free transfer

Arsenal are set to sign Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds United, according to a report.

Illan Meslier of Leeds United looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Villarreal CF at Elland Road on August 02, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) — Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are set to sign Illan Meslier on a free transfer, with the goalkeeper leaving Leeds United at the end of last season.

Meslier’s transfer is just pending a club medical, with McNicholas reporting that it will allow Tommy Setford to leave on loan.

McNicholas had reported earlier in the day that Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is drawing interest from clubs in Spain and Italy, with the 31-year-old free to leave north London if his release clause is activated.

Kepa’s deal with Arsenal includes a £5m clause, the same as the one the Gunners activated to sign him from Chelsea in the first place.

Cristhian Mosquera, Mikel Merino, Kepa Arrizabalaga and David Raya of Arsenal pose for a photograph the Premier League trophy as players of Arsenal celebrate, as they are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2025/26 Season — Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League

Amid those rumours about Kepa, Arsenal had been linked with Meslier in recent weeks.

Luca Bendoni and football insider Hand of Arsenal broke the news last Tuesday that Arsenal were keeping tabs on the goalkeeper and had made enquiries, and the story was later confirmed by Sami Mokbel of the BBC.

Mokbel reported that Arsenal have a strong interest in Meslier amid doubt about Kepa’s future. The 26-year-old goalkeeper is available as a free agent, having come to the end of his contract with Leeds.

Illan Meslier of Leeds United arrives at the stadium prior to during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Bournemouth at Elland Road on September 27, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images) — Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images

French goalkeeper Meslier made 215 appearances for Leeds and was a nailed-on starter for a long time, but he fell out of favour towards the end of 2024/25.

First, he dropped to the bench in April 2025. Then he dropped out of the squad completely for the majority of 2025/26. Leeds preferred Lucas Perri at the start of the season, then Karl Darlow won their starting spot for the second half of the campaign.

If Kepa leaves, the second-choice spot at Arsenal would therefore represent a significant step up for Meslier from the third-choice spot at Leeds. If Setford leaves and Kepa stays, Meslier would need to compete with Kepa for the second-choice spot.

southampton v arsenal emirates fa cup quarter final 2 — Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

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