Official: Arsenal announce second summer transfer with Meslier signing

9 Jul 2026 14:29 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Arsenal have brought in their first new arrival of the summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta completing his second signing to bring in a crucial piece of his squad.

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The Gunners’ only piece of incoming business so far has been turning Piero Hincapie’s loan into a permanent deal, although they are working on a deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.

In the meantime, Arsenal have announced the signing of Illan Meslier after the Frenchman left Leeds United last month upon the expiry of his contract.

Meslier comes in to provide competition for David Raya in goal, with current backup Kepa Arrizabalaga considering his options amid a desire for more first team football.

"I’m extremely happy,” Meslier said. “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 Meslier: Arsenal set to loan out youngster after new goalkeeper signing

Meslier arrives after spending seven years at Leeds, where he made more than 200 appearances in all competitions, including three seasons as the club’s first choice goalkeeper in the Premier League.

© IMAGO - Illan Meslier has signed for Arsenal from Leeds.

The 26-year-old was highly-rated as a youngster but a string of errors and poor form saw him eventually lose his spot in Leeds’ first team after their promotion from the Championship in 2025.

Meslier’s signing is believed to have paved a way for current third-choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford to leave on loan, with Kepa likely to be replaced if he is sold this summer.

Arsenal targeted Meslier primarily due to his Premier League experience but it is unlikely that he will be relied on if Raya is out of the team, having proven unconvincing in his top flight displays so far in his career.

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