Arsenal's second transfer of the summer is painfully underwhelming

Arsenal are said to be considering a rather unexpected next deal after making Piero Hincapie's stay permanent. The Gunners moved to take up the option to buy on Hincapie's deal after a superb loan season from the Ecuardorial that saw him largely become first choice on the left.

Hincapie will return to Arsenal this summer, but at a later date following his World Cup participation with Ecuador, which ended with defeat to Mexico and a last-minute red card for the defender after he covered his mouth when speaking to an opponent, breaking a new rule.

With Hincapie in the bank, Arsenal are now exploring their other needs, and according to BBC Sport, they are considering free agent goalkeeper Illan Meslier in an unexpected deal.

Meslier being considered by the Gunners

According to the report, Arsenal are interested in a move for Meslier, who is now out of contract following his departure from Leeds United. Meslier was number one at Elland Road for a long stretch, but he lost his place to Lucas Perri last season, who subsequently lost his place to Karl Darlow.

Having slipped to the number three spot, Meslier's contract was never going to be renewed, and the once highly-rated Frenchman is on the lookout for a new club at the age of 26.

Arsenal already have a back-up goalkeeper to David Raya in Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was signed last summer, and the 31-year-old Spaniard is under terms until 2028.

But the report claims the Gunners have doubts over Kepa, who is capable of a super-save and a sloppy error, both in equal measure. Kepa's most recent error came in the Carabao Cup final during the season just gone, and that will not have helped his stock with Mikel Arteta.

At such a high level, with Arsenal competing for the biggest titles, they need to be careful when it comes to the back-up keeper. Raya may be among the top performing keepers in the world currently, but every player can be on the wrong side of injury luck, and having a capable back-up could be the difference in winning or losing a title.

Then again, the Meslier links are a little strange from that point of view. The Frenchman is very much of the same mold as Kepa. He too is an eye-catching shot-stopper, but he too is capable of a mishap.

In truth, Kepa has greater ability, but it's not out of the question that Arsenal's search is led by the Spaniard wanting to be a starter elsewhere.

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