Illan Meslier explains why he made the decision to sign for Arsenal, following seven seasons spent at Leeds United.
He joins the Gunners on a free transfer ahead of the 2026/27 season, having departed from Elland Road at the end of his contract this summer.
The Frenchman expected to be their third-choice keeper, acting as cover for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Meanwhile, highly rated academy prospect Tommy Setford will head out on loan for experience in a first team.
Premier League experience between the sticks 🧤
Welcome to The Arsenal, Illan Meslier! 🇫🇷
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 9, 2026
A club statement on arsenal.com read: “We can confirm the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Illan Meslier to the club.
“26-year-old Illan joins us following seven seasons with Leeds United, during which time he made 215 appearances in all competitions, keeping 70 clean sheets.
“Illan began his career in his hometown with French side FC Lorient, progressing through the club’s academy before signing his first professional contract in February 2018. The commanding goalkeeper made his senior debut later that year, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue victory over Valenciennes FC at just 18 years of age.
“After an impressive breakthrough campaign, making 28 appearances in France’s second tier during the 2018/19 season, Illan joined then-Championship side Leeds United on a season-long loan in August 2019. He made his Leeds debut at Emirates Stadium in an FA Cup third-round tie in January 2020.
“Following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League at the conclusion of his first season in English football, Illan’s move was made permanent. Since then, he has made 107 top-flight appearances, and arrives with proven experience and quality, further strengthening our goalkeeping options ahead of the new season.”
After putting pen to paper, Illan said: “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.”
Illan will wear the number 30 shirt and will join up with his new teammates when the players return to Sobha Realty Training Centre for pre-season.
Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Illan and his family to the club.
The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
He said in his first interview, as per arsenal.com: “I’m extremely, extremely happy. It’s a great day for me because I’ve just joined the champions. It’s the biggest club here in England, so I’m very happy to join this massive club, and it’s also a massive opportunity for me. I’m extremely happy to join and to try to do the back-to-back.”
“When I came to Leeds, I didn’t speak English at all,” he explained. “I didn’t really know the league. But seven years later, I speak English now and I know the Prem.
“Last season was a special year, strangely enough for me. Unfortunately, this happens a lot in the careers of players. But I never give up. I keep working very hard every day, training, always being ready for the players who need help.
“I worked a lot mentally because I had a different perspective on football and training. It helped me a lot, to be honest. So I come back this year with a lot of anger and determination. I want to give everything and show my level is still high and that Arsenal did a great job to take me.
“I like to make decisions. I also love to play from the floor, to use my feet. With a team like this, with the quality of the players, I have no doubts that it will be easier for me to play with these guys. I like to help the team as much as I can, being decisive at a good moment. This is who I am.
“David and Kepa – I’ve played against them since I joined Leeds so I know them. They’re great goalkeepers, and the goalkeeping coach Inaki [Cana], I’ve known him since he was at Brentford. So I’m really excited to work with them, because I’m sure I have a lot to learn from them.
“David is an extremely good keeper. I love his style of play. I’m really excited to see the backstage of his work. I just see him on a matchday, but I’m really excited to see how he works during the week. Obviously, if I can have a look and receive some tips from him, it would be more than welcome.”
“I couldn’t have dreamt of having a better start, at such an incredible stadium,” he said, looking back to the FA Cup third round match in January 2020. “Against an amazing team, I think it was also the first [FA Cup] game of Mikel Arteta on the bench for Arsenal, so it was a great night to start my career here in England.
“We lost, but honestly, it was 90 amazing minutes, because even if we got knocked out of the cup, as a kid, it’s amazing to play in such a great atmosphere, in a great stadium. I was just very pleased to play against Arsenal at 20 years old.
“First of all, I want to start [working] with the keepers, to show my levels, to continue to develop my skills, my ability. And then obviously to gain some game time, because this is what I missed last year.
“This year, I want to show that I want to play. I cannot wait to show the love that I’ve got for this badge, and I cannot wait to lift some trophies, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again.”
Here’s the fan reaction after Illan Meslier explains why he made the decision to sign for Arsenal…
@Lana_Florea: Somebody must be seeing something in him. 5 years ago people thought he was going to be a top top keeper and PSG were showing an interest. He’s had a nightmare 3 years but who knows, maybe he can rediscover some sort of form
@Hydro231056: I do wish him well glad he’s got this move for him if he gets back to that 20/21 Meslier they will have a very good backup might be what he needs just mind blowing to me how his agent has pulled this off
@PaulGarvey4: Good luck Illan. It didn’t work for you at Leeds, but you deserve a second chance. #lufc
@NeilsDiamond: Agent of the year #lufc
@AFCPunjab: Illan Meslier will have my full support. Yes, his last couple of seasons have been disappointing, and losing his place at Leeds can’t be ignored. But I also remember the goalkeeper who looked like one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents before Leeds’ decline and a loss of confidence. As a No. 2 behind David Raya, under Iñaki Caña, there’s every chance he rediscovers that level. And once he wears the Arsenal shirt, he’s one of us. ❤️🤍
Maloi Pablo: Not bad as a third goal keeper..
Williams Peace Damilare: I don’t understand the reason why people don’t like this guy. I think he just needs an organised defence, which Gabriel and saliba can provide 🤔
Larry Levin: Why in the world would anyone be bothered by a backup goalkeeper signing? that feels bizarre
Have more of this in the Carabao and FA Cup and you become an Arsenal legend, Meslier 😮💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/47AudJ3svh
— S👻 (@scrapytweets) July 9, 2026
