Arsenal sign Illan Meslier on a free transfer to challenge David Raya

Arsenal have signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, the club confirmed, with the 26-year-old Frenchman joining from Leeds United after seven seasons at Elland Road. Meslier made 215 appearances for the Yorkshire club across all competitions, keeping 70 clean sheets before departing at the end of last season.

Meslier is expected to provide direct competition for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, who claimed the Premier League Golden Glove award in the 2025-26 season. The new arrival will wear the number 30 shirt and is set to join his teammates for pre-season training ahead of Arsenal’s opening league fixture against newly promoted Coventry City on 21 August.

Speaking on his move, Meslier said: “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, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again.”

He also made clear his immediate personal goals: “First of all, I want to start with the keepers, to show my levels, to continue to develop my skills, my ability. And then obviously to gain some game time, because this is what I missed last year.”

Meslier began his career at hometown club Lorient, making his senior debut in 2018 at the age of 18 before joining Leeds on loan in August 2019. He played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League that season, subsequently making the move permanent and going on to make 107 top-flight appearances for the club.

His arrival comes after Arsenal’s previous back-up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga struggled to convince last season. The Spaniard drew widespread criticism for his display in the Carabao Cup final in March, when Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 at Wembley.