Arsenal have secured the signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, following his release by Leeds United at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Meslier, 26, brings considerable experience to the Emirates Stadium, having spent seven seasons at Elland Road and made 215 appearances in all competitions for Leeds United — keeping 70 clean sheets along the way.

Speaking after completing the move, Meslier made his excitement clear: "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."

Where Meslier fits in the pecking order

Meslier is expected to serve as Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper for the time being, behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. His arrival is anticipated to open the door for 20-year-old Tommy Setford to depart on loan.

There remains some uncertainty surrounding Kepa's future at the club this summer. According to Sky Sports News, the Spaniard would be open to a move if the right opportunity emerged — one that suited him both professionally and personally — though nothing concrete has developed as yet.

A difficult final chapter at Leeds

Meslier had been Leeds United's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for five seasons before losing his place to Karl Darlow late in the 2024-25 Championship campaign, a period in which he made three errors that led directly to goals. He finished last season as third-choice at Elland Road, behind Darlow and Lucas Perri, without making a single first-team appearance — despite having played a role in Leeds' promotion back to the Premier League.

Arsenal's opening Premier League fixtures

The Gunners' first five Premier League fixture times have been confirmed for the 2026-27 season: Arsenal host Coventry on 21 August (kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports), travel to Aston Villa on 31 August (kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports), host Chelsea on 6 September (kick-off 4:30pm, live on Sky Sports), visit Sunderland on 12 September (kick-off 8pm), and face Brighton on 19 September (kick-off 3pm).