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Arsenal's summer transfer window has yet to gather momentum, with the Premier League champions still waiting to strengthen their squad after failing with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães.
One move that has largely flown under the radar, however, is the club's interest in Illan Meslier as a potential backup goalkeeper. With Kepa Arrizabalaga exploring opportunities that would offer regular first-team football, Arsenal are in the market for a reliable deputy. The prospect of signing Meslier has divided supporters, and largely underwhelmed, with many pointing to his dramatic dip in form and a series of costly errors during his playing seasons at Leeds United.
Arsenal's interest stems largely from the opportunity to sign Meslier on a free transfer after his contract with Leeds United expired. Once regarded as one of the Premier League's brightest young goalkeepers, the Frenchman made the number-one spot at Elland Road his own for several seasons. However, a decline in form saw him replaced by Lucas Perri, before Karl Darlow eventually overtook both in the pecking order. With Meslier falling to third choice, a contract renewal was never a realistic prospect, leaving the 26-year-old to revive his career elsewhere.
As a result, we look at the better options for that back-up role of David Raya and to lend experience to Tommy Setford as he develops in the meantime.
Yann Sommer
If Arsenal are looking for an experienced backup to David Raya, Yann Sommer would represent a far safer option than Illan Meslier. The Swiss ‘keeper only played in a Champions League final to the one previous to Arsenal’s and just won a Scudetto with Inter. Although the Switzerland international is 37, he continues to perform at an elite level and has shown little sign of decline. His calmness under pressure and consistency would give Mikel Arteta confidence whenever Raya needed to be rested, or in the Carabao Cup competitions.
Whether he will accept this role or prefer to continue his career as a first-choice at a lesser club remains to be seen but Arsenal will possess the best ‘keeper department in the Premier League if he was to join.
Unlike Meslier, whose reputation has been damaged by a string of high-profile errors and inconsistent performances, Sommer has built his career on reliability. He is an excellent shot-stopper, commands his penalty area well and remains one of Europe's most composed goalkeepers in possession, making him an ideal fit for Arsenal's build-up style.
Having played in the Bundesliga, Serie A and the Champions League, he also brings invaluable experience to a squad competing on multiple fronts, a 1-2 year deal to allow Tommy Setford to develop under his tutorship and Sommer to get coaching pedigree if he wants. While Meslier arguably offers greater long-term potential, Sommer would provide immediate quality, leadership and dependability without raising concerns over costly mistakes.
Stefan Ortega
Stefan Ortega would be a more natural fit for Arsenal than Illan Meslier thanks to his proven ability to perform as a deputy at the highest level. Whenever called upon by Manchester City, the German has impressed with his composure, distribution and ability to slot seamlessly into a possession-based system, qualities that align perfectly with Mikel Arteta's style. Perhaps forget his Nottingham Forest career and he makes a good, solid option.
Ortega has been a part of a winning dynasty under Pep Guardiola, and while it has been at the cost of Arsenal, namely the Son Heung-min save, he offers a better option should Raya go down injured or Ortega starts the season while Raya comes back late due to his World Cup commitments. I would rather Ortega in goal than Meslier.
Nick Pope
Newcastle United are well stocked in the goalkeeping department, arguably to the point of excess following the arrival of Ewen Jaouen. Aaron Ramsdale is expected to be the club's first choice, with Jaouen seemingly ahead of veterans Nick Pope and John Ruddy in the pecking order.
That could open the door for Arsenal to make a sensible move for Pope. A reasonable offer would help Newcastle reduce their wage bill, while the 33-year-old would swap third-choice status for a genuine backup role behind David Raya. It is also worth remembering that only a few years ago Pope was pushing Jordan Pickford for England's number-one shirt, underlining the level of quality and experience he could bring to Mikel Arteta's squad.
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