Arsenal are weighing up the prospect of allowing goalkeeper Illan Meslier to leave on loan before the summer transfer window closes, in what would be a surprise development at London Colney.

Meslier was the first addition of Mikel Arteta's summer recruitment drive, arriving to bolster the club's goalkeeping options. Yet, just weeks after joining, the French shot-stopper could be heading back out of the door — with Marseille reportedly eyeing a loan deal, according to journalist Santi Aouna's post on X.

Meslier's role under threat

Aouna notes that Marseille must first trim their own squad before making concrete progress on the move, but a loan deal remains possible ahead of next week's deadline.

Meslier joined Arsenal to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga for the backup spot behind David Raya, who remains the undisputed first choice between the sticks. Raya has claimed the Premier League Golden Glove in each of the last three seasons, and his place at Arsenal is considered as secure as those of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Setford may now stay

The potential loan departure of Meslier would have a knock-on effect elsewhere in Arsenal's goalkeeping ranks. The club had widely been expected to sanction a temporary move for 20-year-old Tommy Setford, who acted as third-choice keeper last season. Should Meslier leave, however, Setford could remain at the club for the coming campaign.

A long line of goalkeepers

Arsenal's revolving door for goalkeepers has been a feature of Arteta's tenure. Since he took charge in 2020, the club has signed a new goalkeeper virtually every year — from Alex Runarsson and Mat Ryan, through Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner, to David Raya, Neto, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and now Meslier.

Emiliano Martinez departed for Aston Villa in 2020, and Ramsdale followed in the summer of 2024, with Neto arriving on loan from Bournemouth before Kepa signed from Chelsea 12 months ago on a permanent deal as the club's cup keeper.

Meslier is valued at €8 million by Transfermarkt. Arsenal's next Premier League fixture is against Aston Villa next weekend.