Leeds United are working to improve their squad this summer after a 14th-place finish in the Premier League last season. However, one of their released players has already found a new club.
The club have already taken a few tough decisions to restructure their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, and are expected to move on a few more players.
Pascal Struijk was sold before the end of June to satisfy their PSR concerns once it became clear that the defender was not going to sign a new contract with the club.
Leeds confirmed the departure of Illan Meslier on a free transfer last month, and the goalkeeper has surprised everyone by completing a stunning move this summer.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Illan Meslier has signed a contract with Arsenal
Illan Meslier spent his last season at Leeds on the fringes of the first-team squad and didn’t play a single minute of football after being a huge part of the squad for more than five years.
He didn’t even get a proper chance to bid goodbye to Elland Road as he never played last season and was ushered out of the club through the back door.
However, it emerged on Tuesday that Meslier was on the verge of joining Premier League champions Arsenal on a free transfer this summer.
An agreement was in place between the two sides, and the Frenchman underwent a medical with the Gunners on Tuesday.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Meslier has completed the formalities of the transfer and is now an Arsenal player.
He has passed the medical and has signed a contract with the Gunners ahead of linking up with the champions’ squad for pre-season.
This is a stunning move for a goalkeeper who cut a lonely figure at Elland Road last season. He will now get a real opportunity to rekindle his career in north London.
Arsenal identified him as a huge market opportunity
Illan Meslier’s move to Arsenal is likely to catch plenty of Leeds United supporters by surprise.
According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions saw an opportunity in the market and moved quickly to take advantage of it. With a goalkeeper who has significant Premier League experience available on a free transfer, Arsenal felt it was a deal worth pursuing.
Mikel Arteta and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana are understood to believe Meslier has the attributes of a modern goalkeeper, making him a good fit for the way Arsenal want to play.
His arrival also strengthens the club’s goalkeeping depth ahead of the new season.
The move is expected to pave the way for Tommy Setford to leave on loan, with Arsenal believing the England Under-21 international will benefit from regular first-team football as he continues his development.
