Arsenal's summer signing Meslier could exit on loan as Marseille circle before deadline

Illan Meslier could be heading out of Arsenal on loan just weeks after joining, with Marseille understood to be weighing up a move for the French goalkeeper ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

Meslier arrived at London Colney as Mikel Arteta’s first piece of summer business, brought in to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga for the backup role behind first-choice David Raya. But according to journalist Santi Aouna, posting on X, Marseille are now looking at the 25-year-old as a potential loan target — provided the Ligue 1 club can first trim their own squad to create room.

Raya’s position at Arsenal is entirely secure. The World Cup-winning Spaniard has claimed the Premier League Golden Glove in each of the last three seasons, and sources indicate his status at the club is as untouchable as that of Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka.

The development has implications for 20-year-old Tommy Setford as well. Arsenal had been widely expected to sanction a loan move for the Dutch-born England youth international, who served as third-choice keeper last season. Should Meslier depart, Setford may now remain at the club as Kepa’s competition for the backup berth.

Arsenal have maintained a notable turnover in goalkeepers since Arteta took charge. Emiliano Martinez left for Aston Villa in 2020, triggering a chain of arrivals and departures that has included Alex Runarsson, Mat Ryan, Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner, Bernd Leno, David Raya, Neto, and Kepa — the latter signing permanently from Chelsea 12 months ago.

Meslier is valued at €8m by Transfermarkt. Arsenal return to Premier League action against Aston Villa next weekend, with the transfer window set to close shortly after.