![\"Kepa\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/skysports-kepa-arrizabalaga_7200470.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIllan Meslier has joined Arsenal on a free transfer after being released by Leeds United last week.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sky Sports News understands the Frenchman joins on a two-year deal, which includes the option of a third.<\/p>\n
He is expected to join as third-choice goalkeeper having spent seven seasons at Leeds, where he made 215 appearances in all competitions, keeping 70 clean sheets.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old said: “I’m extremely happy. It’s a great day for me because I have just joined the champions. For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England.<\/p>\n
“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, becuase this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again.”<\/p>\n
Meslier’s arrival at Arsenal will allow 20-year-old Tommy Setford to go out on loan.<\/p>\n
As it stands, it is thought Kepa Arrizabalaga will remain as back-up to David Raya. There is believed to be some uncertainty around Kepa’s future this summer.<\/p>\n
Sky Sports News understands he would be open to becoming a No 1 if the right club came in for him. As things stand, nothing has developed.<\/p>\n
Kepa is in no rush to leave, but if something suitable comes along that works professionally for him and personally for his family, he may consider it.<\/p>\n
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Image:
\n Kepa is considering his future at Arsenal<\/p>\n
Meslier was Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper for five years before losing his place to Karl Darlow at the end of the 2024\/25 Championship season, during which he made three errors leading directly to a goal.<\/p>\n
The Frenchman was third-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road last term – behind Darlow and Lucas Perri – and did not make a single appearance for Leeds’ first team.<\/p>\n