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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier following his exit from Leeds United.
The shotstopper joins as a free agent, having seen his time at Elland Road come to an end with the expiration of his contract at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, a campaign that saw the West Yorkshire side retain their place in the Premier League following promotion.
Meslier becomes the Gunners' second signing of the summer following the permanent arrival of Piero Hincapié and is reportedly set to be a third choice goalkeeper for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal sign Illan Meslier on free transfer
News of Arsenal's interest in Meslier first broke at the end of June with multiple outlets reporting Mikel Arteta's side were keen on securing his services following his Leeds departure.
The former France youth international made 215 appearances for the Whites, keeping 70 clean sheets and helping the club to two promotions to the Premier League over a seven-year spell in West Yorkshire.
However, he fell out of favour towards the end of the 2024/25 season, losing his starting place to Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow, meaning he played zero games across the entirety of last campaign.
Despite his initial success with Leeds before being usurped, Meslier has gained a reputation for being an error-prone 'keeper, making a number of big mistakes that have cost his now former side in important moments.
That has prompted Gunners fans to cast doubt over his arrival with some uncertain if he has enough quality to be a back-up choice for the Premier League champions.
Initially set to be a third-choice option behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, there is potential for him to move up a rank if the latter departs North London this summer.
One positive from Meslier's signing is the impact on Tommy Setford. The former Ajax shotstopper, who has made two senior appearances for Arsenal, is now expected to be sent out on loan to continue his development between the sticks.
Meslier and his representatives were at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on 7 July to complete the finer details of the move and undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on the deal.
Speaking on joinign the club, Meslier said: Illan said: "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, becuase this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again."
He is set to wear the number 30 shirt for the Gunners and will join up with his new side when the players return to training.
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