Illan Meslier

Official: Meslier signs for Arsenal (free, No. 30, third-choice keeper)

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign French goalkeeper Illan Meslier (26), a free agent since leaving Leeds. He would arrive as third-choice keeper behind David Raya (No. 1) and Kepa Arrizabalaga, freeing 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan. A free, Premier League-experienced pickup that keeps the transfer budget for attacking and midfield priorities. A medical is still to come.

Latest development

Several outlets had converged since July 1 (CaughtOffside, GiveMeSport, Get French Football News) on Arsenal interest in Meslier as a backup. **UPDATE July 7 (evening)**: the dossier moves to an agreement. Sky Sports News and The Athletic (James McNicholas) report Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Meslier on a free — he would become third-choice keeper behind Raya and Kepa, with his arrival clearing a loan for 20-year-old Tommy Setford. Medical not yet taken, contract length unspecified. Corroborated by DailyCannon and CaughtOffside (July 7). Kepa is in no rush to leave but his future remains uncertain. **UPDATE July 8**: the dossier firms up further — several outlets (Sky Sports, FootballTransfers) describe the announcement as imminent, with Meslier set to become Arsenal's second summer signing after Hincapié. Medical still to come, no official club statement at this stage. **UPDATE July 8 (evening)**: deal sealed. Fabrizio Romano posts his 'here we go' ('Illan Meslier to Arsenal, here we go! Medical already done and deal sealed… contract also signed after medical done in London on Tuesday') — medical passed on July 7 in London, contract signed. Meslier becomes Arsenal's second summer signing after Hincapié, as a backup goalkeeper. Corroborated by TeamTalk, TribalFootball, CaughtOffside and Football365. Official club announcement (Arsenal.com) still to come. **UPDATE July 9 (evening)**: it's official. Arsenal announced Meslier's signing on their website (Arsenal.com), a free transfer after his Leeds contract expired (215 appearances, 70 clean sheets across seven seasons). He will wear **No. 30** and starts as third-choice keeper behind Raya and Kepa. 'I have just joined the champions, for me Arsenal is the biggest club in England,' he said. Confirmed by DailyCannon, OneFootball and Just Arsenal. Deal done.