Illan Meslier was the Leeds United goalkeeper who joined Arsenal on a free transfer in the 2026 summer window.
The French goalkeeper arrived in England from Lorient in 2019, initially joining Leeds on loan. He made the move permanent in July 2020 after Leeds had returned to the Premier League, and he soon became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. His distribution and willingness to play high up the pitch were central to his profile.
Meslier’s Leeds contract expired before his Arsenal move, making the transfer a free signing rather than a fee-paying deal. That detail distinguishes him from Arsenal goalkeepers such as Aaron Ramsdale, who joined Arsenal from Sheffield United for a transfer fee in 2021.
At Arsenal, Meslier joined a goalkeeping group that included David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. He is also a former France youth international, although senior international recognition has been highly competitive in his position.