Arsenal announced the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on July 9, 2026, completing a free transfer from Leeds United [1, 2]. The 26-year-old French keeper agreed to a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year [3].
Meslier spent seven seasons at Leeds United, making 215 appearances and keeping 70 clean sheets [1, 3, 2]. He initially joined Leeds on loan in August 2019 before making the move permanent. Meslier helped Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League in his first season at the club [1, 2].
Before Leeds, Meslier began his senior career at Lorient, making his debut at age 18 in 2018 [1, 2]. Despite his long spell at Leeds, Meslier lost his place as the club’s number one goalkeeper last season and was out of contract in summer 2026 [3].
At Arsenal, Meslier will compete for playing time with first-choice keeper David Raya and second-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga [1, 3, 2]. Raya won the Premier League Golden Glove in the 2025-26 season with 19 clean sheets in 37 games [3]. Meslier could move up the pecking order if Kepa departs [3].
Meslier will wear the number 30 shirt and join Arsenal’s pre-season training ahead of their opening Premier League match against Coventry City on August 21, 2026 [1, 2]. Following Meslier’s arrival, teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford will leave on loan this summer [3].
Meslier said he is "very happy and very proud to join Arsenal" and is eager to "show the love" for the club badge and "win trophies" [1]. He added, "First of all, I want to start [working] 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" [1].
