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Arsenal showing ‘strong interest’ in Illan Meslier

By on July 2, 2026

Arsenal have indicated a ‘strong interest’ in signing Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds United this summer, according to the BBC.

Arrizabalaga only arrived at Arsenal last summer, but the 31-year-old spent the campaign as David Raya’s understudy, making just a single Premier League appearance on the final day of the season.

The Spanish goalkeeper featured 12 times across all competitions, although 10 of those outings came in domestic cup matches. With Raya enjoying an outstanding campaign, there has been little indication that Arrizabalaga could displace his fellow Spaniard as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The former Chelsea shot-stopper could consider leaving in search of regular first-team football over the coming months.

This is according to the BBC, which claims Kepa’s future at the Emirates Stadium is in doubt ahead of the coming season, leading the club to explore potential replacements.

As a result, Arsenal have indicated a ‘strong interest’ in signing Leeds goalkeeper Meslier this summer.

The 6ft 5in shotstopper joined Leeds United in 2019 and was regarded as one of the country’s brightest young goalkeepers.

He established himself as the club’s first-choice keeper over three Premier League seasons before a run of inconsistent performances and costly mistakes ultimately cost him his place in the pecking order behind Lucas Perin and Karl Darlow.

Bargain

Meslier is now a free agent following the expiration of his contract last month, and Arsenal are now eyeing a bargain free transfer to sign him, according to the report.

Arsenal ended a two-decade wait to clinch the Premier League title while also reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League without losing any game in regulation time.

It is also worth noting that the north Londoners reached the finals of two of the three competitions they played in, although they failed to clinch any titles.

However, the importance of a dependable second-choice option can’t be overstated, as neither of the club’s reserve goalkeepers could replicate the heroics of Raya when given the chance.

While Kepa can’t be entirely blamed for their FA Cup final loss to Manchester City and Carabao Cup exit to Southampton, there’s an argument that the results could have been different if Raya had been in post.

Hence, much like City’s use of Ederson and Stefan Ortega during the club’s dominant spell, Arsenal should pursue a more reliable option who can confidently step in for David Raya when required, and based on his performances, Meslier does not appear to be that player.