Arsenal’s summer transfer plans may have taken another unexpected twist, with the Gunners now reportedly considering the surprise signing of a Premier League player on a free.
The club are said to be monitoring former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a potential replacement should Kepa Arrizabalaga leave the Emirates this summer. The latest reports suggest this is one to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks.
After joining Arsenal for £5million last summer, Kepa was expected to provide experienced competition and cover for David Raya. However, despite making a handful of appearances, his future is now far from certain amid interest from elsewhere and Arsenal are understood to be assessing their options should he move on – it is thought that Kepa’s deal contains a £5million release clause.
According to reports from both HandofArsenal and BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Meslier, who is currently available on a free transfer after leaving Leeds United at the end of his contract.
At 26, Meslier remains relatively young for a goalkeeper but already boasts significant experience, having made over 200 senior appearances for Leeds, including more than 100 in the Premier League. His availability without a transfer fee is believed to be one of the key attractions, particularly in a window where Arsenal are expected to prioritise spending on attacking reinforcements and midfield additions.
While Meslier’s spell at Leeds wasn’t without criticism, high-profile errors ultimately saw him lose his place before departing Elland Road, there is little doubt over his natural ability, once regarded as one of the most promising young keepers. He’s a bit similar to Kepa in that regard, a promising youngster with lots of hype that failed to ever really realise that potential.
Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach Iñaki Caña has a track record of improving keepers, and the club may believe they can help the Frenchman rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s brightest young goalkeepers.
Financially, the move makes plenty of sense. Rather than investing £15-20 million on a backup goalkeeper, Arsenal could secure a player with Premier League experience for nothing, leaving more of Andrea Berta’s transfer budget available for the marquee additions supporters are expecting elsewhere in the squad.
For now, there is no indication that a deal is imminent, but with uncertainty surrounding Kepa’s future, Meslier has emerged as a genuine option. It’s certainly a surprising link, but one that could prove to be smart business if Arsenal need a new understudy to David Raya before the transfer window closes.