Ex-Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier linked with sensational transfer to league champions
The goalkeeper is now officially a free agent following the expiration of his Leeds United contract.
Departing Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has emerged as a shock transfer target for Premier League champions Arsenal.
Meslier officially became a free agent today following the expiration of his Leeds contract. The goalkeeper’s summer exit was announced by the club ahead of time after he spent the 2025/26 campaign as third-choice goalkeeper behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri.
The 26-year-old did not play a single first-team game last season - he featured a handful of times for the Under-21s - and is now officially free to sign a contract elsewhere. And according to BBC Sport, his next move could be to the Premier League champions.
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Arsenal are said to hold a ‘strong interest’ in Meslier amid doubt over their current second-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Mikel Arteta currently has one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, David Raya, as his No.1 but could require cover for the Spaniard.
As a free agent, Meslier offers Arsenal and any other prospective suitors a low-risk option to fill squad spots. At 26, he is also still relatively young for a free agent goalkeeper and the Frenchman showed great potential in his earlier years at Leeds.
Meslier replaced Kiko Casilla in the 2019/20 season amid a racism ban for the Spaniard, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side win the Championship. He went on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young goalkeepers but never managed to reach his potential at Leeds.
He remained first-choice for much of Leeds’ three years in the top-flight before being dropped by Sam Allardyce in a doomed attempt to survive. Daniel Farke retained Meslier as his No.1 up until spring 2025, the point at which mistakes became too common and Darlow was drafted in.
A move to Arsenal, even as back-up for clear first-choice Raya, would likely see Meslier’s game-time increase compared to his final 12 months at Leeds. Current cover Kepa started 12 times for the Gunners last season, with Arteta rotating for the FA and Carabao Cups - including in the latter competition's final against Manchester City.
Illan Meslier statement after Leeds United exit
After his summer exit was announced in early June, Meslier wrote on Instagram: “I just wanted to take a moment to send this farewell message to every single Leeds United fan. When I arrived at this club in 2019 as a 19-year-old kid, I had no idea what was ahead of me. What I found was a club like no other, a fanbase with a passion that is truly unmatched, and a place that has shaped me into the goalkeeper and the man I am today.
“I would like to thank all the coaching staff, medical staff and players who have been part of this journey. And also the people at the stadium and the training ground who have been amazing with me from day one to the last day.
“After seven years, the time has come to take on a new challenge and step into a new chapter of my career. Leeds will never leave me. This city, this club, this shirt ; it’s part of who I am now and always will be. Thank you for everything. Marching On Together, always.”