"Arsenal Set to Make Surprise Free Transfer Move for Goalkeeper Illan Meslier Following Leeds Departure"

ARSENAL are set to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier after his contract with Leeds expired.

The Frenchman, 26, became a free agent at the end of last month and has been on the hunt for a new club ahead of the new season.

Arsenal are edging towards signing Illan Meslier Credit: Reuters The Frenchman is a free agent after leaving Leeds Credit: Getty

have swooped and Meslier is due to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a deal at the Emirates.

The shot-stopper is expected to come in and be the No3 option for the Gunners behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Tommy Setford, 20, had that role last season but Arsenal are eager for him to gain first-team experience out on loan.

The youngster played just three minutes last term and that was as a late substitute with the Gunners in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

did not make a single first-team appearance for Leeds during the 2025/26 campaign.

He fell behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri in the pecking order at Elland Road.

And Leeds chiefs initially last year before struggling to find a buyer.

The former Lorient man will head to North London with plenty of Premier League experience, having made 107 appearances in the top flight.

Meslier’s arrival could allow Tommy Setford to go out on loan Credit: Getty

But he has not been handed a first-team outing since Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Swansea back in March 2025.

Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta has been looking to bolster his squad after to be crowned champions.

The Gunners are in the market for reinforcements ahead of getting the new Premier League season underway against newly-promoted Coventry on August 21.

Piero Hincapie has already joined Arsenal on a permanent basis after a strong loan spell.

There have also been outgoings – with Jakub Kiwior to Porto.

Karl Hein made a permanent move to Werder Bremen after eight years on Arsenal’s books.