Leeds United have already seen two goalkeepers leave Elland Road this summer, and one of those deals has left Graham Smyth surprised.
The Whites are staring at a goalkeeping crisis with Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns the only two goalkeepers left in the squad ahead of the start of pre-season.
Karl Darlow has rejected an offer to sign a new deal with Leeds, and is close to completing a free transfer move to hated rivals Manchester United this summer.
However, Graham Smyth has been left shocked by the move Illan Meslier engineered after playing no football for Leeds last season.
Graham Smyth left astonished by Illan Meslier joining Arsenal
It was a major surprise when it emerged Arsenal were close to signing Illan Meslier on a free transfer in the summer window. The Frenchman completed a move to the Gunners this week.
Meslier played no football at Leeds last season and was ushered out of the club through the back door once his contract expired at the end of last month.
However, he is now part of the Premier League champions and Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth was left shocked.
He conceded that he would have never guessed that Meslier would be joining Arsenal this summer, as he expected him to return to French football.
Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast: “It caught me by surprise.
“If someone said to me where Illan Meslier would be playing next season, I’d have said I could see him going back to France and playing in Ligue 1.
“If you had given me 10 or 20 guesses, none of them would have been Arsenal.
“It’s absolutely wild, and you can only say fair play to him and whoever represented him in this deal.”
This has surprised everyone
Illan Meslier’s move to Arsenal is one few Leeds United supporters would have seen coming.
The Premier League champions are understood to have acted quickly after spotting an opportunity to sign an experienced top-flight goalkeeper on a free transfer. Given Meslier’s availability, Arsenal felt it was a deal too good to ignore.
Mikel Arteta and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana reportedly believe the Frenchman has the qualities required to thrive as a modern goalkeeper and fits the style of play they want to implement.
His arrival also gives Arsenal greater depth between the posts ahead of the new campaign.
It is also expected to open the door for Tommy Setford to head out on loan, with Arsenal keen for the England Under-21 goalkeeper to gain regular first-team experience as part of his development.
