Arsenal have signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds United, agreeing a two-year deal with the option of a further year. The 26-year-old French keeper was out of contract this summer after losing his place as Leeds' number one, making him available at no cost. He said he was "very happy and very proud" to join the club, adding that he "cannot wait to win trophies" with what he called "the biggest club in England".

Meslier made 215 appearances across seven seasons at Leeds, whom he joined in 2019, keeping 70 clean sheets. He arrives as third-choice at Arsenal behind David Raya, who won the Premier League Golden Glove in 2025-26 with 19 clean sheets in 37 games as the club won the title, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, with doubt over Arrizabalaga's future, Meslier could be promoted to the number-two role should the Spaniard depart. His arrival is expected to prompt 20-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford to leave on loan this summer.