Arsenal Confirm Signing Of Goalkeeper Illan Meslier

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United, with the Frenchman becoming the club’s latest addition ahead of the new season.

Illan Meslier, 26, arrives after spending seven seasons at Elland Road, where he made 215 appearances across all competitions and registered 70 clean sheets. The move remains subject to the completion of the required regulatory processes.

Meslier began his professional career at French club Lorient, progressing through the academy before signing his first senior contract in February 2018. He made his first-team debut later that year, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue win over Valenciennes at the age of 18.

His impressive displays during the 2018/19 campaign earned him a loan move to Leeds United in August 2019. He made his debut for the Yorkshire club in an FA Cup third-round tie against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in January 2020 before helping Leeds secure promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds completed his permanent transfer after promotion, and Meslier went on to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. He made 107 Premier League appearances during his spell, bringing valuable top-flight experience to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Speaking after completing the move, Meslier 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, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again.”

Meslier will wear the No. 30 shirt and is expected to link up with his new teammates when Arsenal return to the Sobha Realty Training Centre for pre-season.