Arsenal Sign Goalkeeper Illan Meslier From Leeds United
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United, with the 26-year-old joining after seven seasons and 215 appearances at Elland Road.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United, the club announced on its official website. The 26-year-old joins after seven seasons at Elland Road, where he made 215 appearances and kept 70 clean sheets across all competitions.
The move is still subject to the completion of regulatory processes, according to Arsenal.com.
Career path to Arsenal
Meslier started out at FC Lorient in his hometown, coming through the club's academy before signing his first professional contract in February 2018. He made his senior debut that same year at 18, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue win over Valenciennes FC.
- 2018/19 season: made 28 appearances in France's second tier for Lorient.
- August 2019: joined Leeds United on a season-long loan.
- January 2020: made his Leeds debut at Emirates Stadium in an FA Cup third-round match.
- Following Leeds' promotion to the Premier League, his move was made permanent.
- Went on to make 107 top-flight appearances for the club.
What Meslier said
Speaking after signing, Meslier said he was "extremely happy" to join Arsenal, calling it "a great day" and describing the club as "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 goalkeeper
Squad number and next steps
Meslier will wear the number 30 shirt at Arsenal. He will link up with his new teammates when the squad reports back to the Sobha Realty Training Centre for pre-season.
Arsenal said everyone at the club welcomes Meslier and his family.
Key facts at a glance
- Meslier joins Arsenal from Leeds United after seven seasons at Elland Road.
- He made 215 appearances and kept 70 clean sheets for Leeds across all competitions, including 107 in the Premier League.
- He came through the FC Lorient academy before a loan, then permanent move, to Leeds in 2019.
- The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
- Meslier will wear the number 30 shirt at Arsenal.
Source: Arsenal.com (official club statement)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where has Illan Meslier signed from?
Meslier has joined Arsenal from Leeds United, where he spent seven seasons after arriving on loan from FC Lorient in 2019.
How many appearances did Meslier make for Leeds?
Meslier made 215 appearances for Leeds United across all competitions, keeping 70 clean sheets, including 107 in the Premier League.
Is the transfer completed?
The move is still subject to the completion of regulatory processes, according to Arsenal's official statement.
What squad number will Meslier wear at Arsenal?
Meslier will wear the number 30 shirt at Arsenal.
