Meslier is a free agent after leaving Leeds at the end of the campaign. Michael Regan/Getty ImagesJuly 7, 2026 10:32 am EDT Updated Arsenal are set to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier, following his exit from Leeds United.Meslier is a free agent after leaving Leeds at the end of the campaign, following 215 appearances across seven seasons at Elland Road.The arrival of Meslier, whose arrival is pending a club medical, would potentially allow England under-21 goalkeeper Tommy Setford to leave the Emirates on loan.Setford has made two senior appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side; against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup in 2024-25, and as a substitute in the FA Cup fourth round against Wigan Athletic in February, replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 20-year-old did not concede a goal in either match.Meslier, 26, had been Leeds’s undisputed No 1 in each of the previous five campaigns, but patchy form during 2024-25 led to head coach Daniel Farke dropping him from the side.The Frenchman’s final appearance for Leeds proved to be a 2-2 draw with Swansea City in March 2025.Meslier joined Leeds on an initial loan from French club Lorient in summer 2019 and helped them to win promotion from the Championship. He was Kiko Casilla’s deputy until February 2020, when the Spaniard was suspended for eight games for racially abusing Charlton Athletic’s Jonathan Leko.Meslier impressed, keeping seven clean sheets in 10 league games as Leeds won the Championship and he remained first choice for a further four-and-a-half seasons.David Raya and Kepa are the two first-team goalkeepers in Arteta’s squad.Signing makes sense for Setford developmentArsenal have moved quickly to sign Meslier after spotting a market opportunity to land a goalkeeper with considerable Premier League appearance on a free transfer.While the Frenchman fits the modern profile of goalkeeper specified by manager Arteta and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, his acquisition should also enable 20-year-old goalkeeper Setford to go out on loan.Arsenal recognise that England U-21 international Setford needs more opportunities to play and develop.