Leeds United exit Illan Meslier reportedly snubbed No.1 chance for Arsenal transfer
The Frenchman called time on his Leeds United career earlier this summer.
Leeds United exit Illan Meslier reportedly turned down the chance to be a Championship No.1 in favour of joining Arsenal.
Meslier departed Leeds this summer after seven years following the expiration of his contract. The Frenchman spent last season as third-choice goalkeeper behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri, failing to make a single appearance for the first-team while playing a handful of times for the Under-21s.
Despite that fall down the Elland Road pecking order, Meslier looks to have secured himself a move to Premier League champions Arsenal. The Athletic reported earlier this week that the 26-year-old is due to join up with Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of their title defence.
Meslier is expected to be second-choice at best in North London, with Spanish international David Raya keeping a tight grip on the No.1 spot. Should Kepa Arrizabalaga remain at the Emirates, the former Leeds goalkeeper is expected to retain his status as a third-choice option, as was the case last season in West Yorkshire.
The Daily Mail have since reported that Meslier had the chance to become a No.1 again this summer with Birmingham City. The Championship club are said to have offered the Frenchman a chance at being first-choice but they were unable to match the terms on offer at Arsenal.
Illan Meslier transfer choice made amid Birmingham interest
News of that offer is interesting as it suggests Meslier picked being potentially third-choice at Premier League Arsenal over being the main man at St. Andrew’s. Still only 26, the former FC Lorient prospect has several years left of his career with the expectation being he’d leave Leeds this summer to play more regularly elsewhere.
Should Kepa leave - he is reportedly available for around £5m - then Meslier’s hope of playing for Arsenal would be boosted in cup competition at least. Last season, first-choice Raya was not used in the Carabao Cup or FA Cup while he was also rested for a Champions League meeting with Kazakhstan outfit Kairat Almaty.
Meslier was one of three senior goalkeepers to see their Leeds contracts expire this summer, albeit he looks set to be the first to wrap up his future. The YEP understands a new deal has been agreed with Alex Cairns but there is no such certainty over the future of Karl Darlow.
The Welsh international has been offered a new contract at Leeds but is also believed to have offers from Manchester United and Everton. Should a new challenge be sought, Daniel Farke will need a new goalkeeper.