Arsenal book Meslier medical as United open Tchouameni talks and Liverpool eye £18m teenager

Arsenal have booked a medical for Illan Meslier as they close in on signing the 26-year-old free-agent goalkeeper, according to reports on Wednesday, July 8. The Frenchman, released by Leeds United after failing to make a single senior appearance last season, is set to become David Raya’s back-up at the Emirates, with Kepa Arrizabalaga expected to leave in search of regular first-team football.

Meslier shipped six goals across two reserve outings for Leeds in 2024/25, but Arsenal appear convinced he represents the right profile for the understudy role. His availability on a free transfer will also appeal to a club managing their spending carefully this summer.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have opened talks with Real Madrid over a move for Aurélien Tchouameni. The Red Devils have already missed out on Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City, and Mateus Fernandes, who moved to Tottenham, leaving Michael Carrick short of midfield options as he looks to replace Casemiro. Real Madrid are understood to value the 26-year-old France international at a minimum of £68m, underlining the scale of the investment United would need to make.

With Ederson’s arrival from Atalanta considered all but confirmed, Tchouameni would represent a second significant midfield addition should a deal be struck, though negotiations are at an early stage.

Liverpool have also entered the market for a young creative talent, making initial enquiries about Club Tijuana’s Gilberto Mora. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder impressed during Mexico’s World Cup campaign this summer and holds a release clause of approximately £18m in a contract that runs until 2029. It remains unclear whether Liverpool would trigger that clause outright or attempt to negotiate a lower fee.

Elsewhere, newly appointed Fulham head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is reportedly keen to draw on his Real Madrid connections, with the Spaniard understood to be pursuing permanent deals for Gonzalo Garcia and Fran Garcia, as well as a loan move for Franco Mastantuono ahead of the new season.