Arsenal secure Meslier on a free as Romano gives 'here we go'
The Gunners have moved quickly to add experienced cover in goal, with the Frenchman completing his medical in London.
Arsenal have wrapped up a free-transfer deal for former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano now issuing his famed 'here we go' confirmation. The 26-year-old underwent his medical in the capital on Tuesday before putting pen to paper on a contract that ties him to the club, having accepted Mikel Arteta's vision for the squad.
The move ends a turbulent chapter for the Frenchman, who was released by Leeds last week after a difficult final season at Elland Road. Meslier did not feature at all during the 2025/26 campaign, slipping down the pecking order behind other options. Yet Arsenal see him as a sensible, low-cost addition to bolster the goalkeeping department behind first-choice David Raya.
Reports indicate that Meslier is expected to arrive as the third-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium. That would then allow young academy keeper Tommy Setford to head out on loan in search of regular senior minutes. Arteta has long stressed the need for depth across all positions, and with domestic cup commitments, a lengthy Premier League season and European football on the horizon, having a reliable third option makes sound squad-management sense.
Meslier was once regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in English football, breaking through at Leeds during their Premier League years. However, his form dipped, and he never recovered his berth after the club's relegation. At 26, he still has time to rebuild his reputation under a top-level coaching setup. The fact that he arrives without a transfer fee reduces the risk significantly.
This is not a headline-grabbing signing designed to shake up the first eleven. Instead, it is a pragmatic piece of business that allows Arteta to protect his squad depth without allocating major funds. Should backup Kepa Arrizabalaga depart this summer, Arsenal would still have two experienced senior keepers in Raya and Meslier, while Setford gains valuable experience elsewhere.
The Gunners have been active in the market as they prepare to defend their Premier League title. Adding a player who knows the league and costs nothing is exactly the kind of quiet, clever move that underpins sustained success. For Meslier, it represents a fresh start at a club chasing silverware, and the chance to learn from one of the best number ones in the division.
All parties benefit from this arrangement. Arsenal add a capable deputy, Meslier gets a career reboot, and Leeds free up wages. Now the focus shifts to other areas of the squad as Arteta aims to strengthen further before the new campaign. Keep an eye on latest news for more updates on Arsenal's transfer business.