We can confirm the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Illan Meslier to the club.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
We can confirm the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Illan Meslier to the club.
26-year-old Illan joins us following seven seasons with Leeds United, during which time he made 215 appearances in all competitions, keeping 70 clean sheets.
Illan began his career in his hometown with French side FC Lorient, progressing through the club’s academy before signing his first professional contract in February 2018. The commanding goalkeeper made his senior debut later that year, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue victory over Valenciennes FC at just 18 years of age.
After an impressive breakthrough campaign, making 28 appearances in France’s second tier during the 2018/19 season, Illan joined then-Championship side Leeds United on a season-long loan in August 2019. He made his Leeds debut at Emirates Stadium in an FA Cup third-round tie in January 2020.
Following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League at the conclusion of his first season in English football, Illan’s move was made permanent. Since then, he has made 107 top-flight appearances, and arrives with proven experience and quality, further strengthening our goalkeeping options ahead of the new season.
After putting pen to paper, Illan 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.
“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."
Illan will wear the number 30 shirt (get yours now on Arsenal Direct) and will join up with his new teammates when the players return to Sobha Realty Training Centre for pre-season.
Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Illan and his family to the club.
The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
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