Arsenal have completed the signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a two-year contract following his departure from Leeds United last week.
The 26-year-old joins the Gunners to strengthen their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season after spending seven years at Leeds, where he established himself as one of the club’s key players.
Arsenal confirmed the transfer in a statement published on Thursday, welcoming Meslier and highlighting his experience in English football.
“We can confirm the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Illan Meslier to the club. The 26-year-old joins us following seven seasons with Leeds United, during which he made 215 appearances in all competitions and kept 70 clean sheets.
“Illan began his career with his hometown club, FC Lorient, progressing through the academy before signing his first professional contract in February 2018. He made his senior debut later that year, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue victory over Valenciennes at the age of 18.”
The club also reflected on Meslier’s rise through the ranks and his successful spell at Leeds.
“After an impressive breakthrough season in which he made 28 appearances in France’s Ligue 2 during the 2018/19 campaign, 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 end of that season, his move was made permanent. He went on to make 107 Premier League appearances and arrives with proven quality and experience, further strengthening our goalkeeping options ahead of the new campaign.”
Arsenal also confirmed that Meslier will wear the No. 30 shirt and will join his new teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre for pre-season preparations, subject to the completion of the remaining regulatory formalities.
