Leeds United have several big decisions to make over the course of the summer, but a few players have already moved on from Elland Road this summer.
The Whites are still in the dark over Karl Darlow’s future at Elland Road, as while the Welshman’s contract expired on Tuesday, Leeds have offered him a new deal and are waiting for his decision.
However, Leeds announced the departure of Pascal Struijk on Tuesday after he joined Premier League rivals Brighton for a deal worth up to £18m, including add-ons.
Leeds also confirmed the departure of Illan Meslier a few weeks back, and he is now a free agent after his contract also expired last night. However, he now has a shock suitor.
Arsenal are interested in Illan Meslier
Meslier spent last season on the sidelines after Leeds dropped him down the pecking order of goalkeepers following their failure to sell him last summer.
The Frenchman didn’t play a single minute of football and eventually left the club in the summer following the expiry of his contract at Elland Road.
However, he could now stay in the Premier League because, according to Sky Sports News reporter Luca Bendoni, Arsenal are interested in signing Meslier this summer.
The Premier League champions are keeping tabs on the Frenchman and are considering taking him to the Emirates in the ongoing transfer window.
Mikel Arteta wants a solid back-up goalkeeper for David Raya, and Meslier has emerged as one of the top options for the Gunners this summer.
His wage demands are unlikely to be a problem for Arsenal, who are keen to build a squad that are good enough to retain the title next season.
Will it be a good move?
Arsenal will provide Meslier with the prestige of being part of a squad that won the Premier League last season and in theory, a chance to play in the Champions League.
However, Raya is the undisputed number 1 at the Emirates, and unless he suffers a major injury, the Frenchman is unlikely to play too many games for the Gunners.
Meslier needs regular football at his next club after spending a season on the sidelines, and at Arsenal, he is unlikely to receive the minutes to continue his development.
The Frenchman would also benefit from a fresh start away from the spotlight, where the pressure is lower, and he has the chance to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his best form.
A move to Arsenal may inflate his bank balance, but it is unlikely to do anything for his career, and his ambition of representing France on the international stage one day.
