Arsenal have signed former Leeds United goalkeeper, Illan Meslier on a free transfer.
Meslier’s move to the Emirates Stadium comes a week after his contract at Leeds expired, which ended his seven-year stay at Elland Road in which he kept 72 clean sheets in 215 appearances across all competitions.
The 26 year-old also helped Leeds claim promotion to the Premier League twice as Championship champions in 2019-20 and 24-25 seasons respectively, but fell down to third-choice last season behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow which saw him fail to make a single senior appearance.
Arsenal haven’t disclosed the length of Meslier’s contract but he is expected to be third choice in North London behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, whilst Tommy Setford would be permitted to go out on loan to gain regular first-team experience.
Arrizabalaga’s future however is uncertain due to a reported £5m buy clause within his contract which could see him leave the Gunners this summer, should another club activate that clause.
Speaking about his move to Arsenal where he will wear the number 30 shirt, Meslier said that he is excited to be part of the reigning champions for the new season.
“I’m extremely happy. It’s a great day for me because I have just joined the champions. For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England.
“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.”
Born in France, Meslier began his career with his local club, Merlevenez before he moved to Lorient where he graduated through their academy to make his professional debut in August 2018, in which he kept clean sheets in his first five matches as a senior player.
He went on to keep 11 clean sheets in 32 appearances for Lorient in the 2019-19 season which led to his move to Leeds in August 2019.
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