We can confirm the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Illan Meslier to the club.
Illan, 26, joins us after 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 club Lorient, studying at the club’s academy before signing his first professional contract in February 2018. The experienced goalkeeper made his senior debut that same year, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 League Cup win over Valenciennes at the age of just 18.
After an impressive breakthrough campaign, making 28 appearances in the French second division in 2018/19, Illan joined then Championship side Leeds United on a season-long loan in August 2019. In January 2020, he made his Leeds debut at the Emirates Stadium in an FA Cup third round match.
Following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League at the end of his first season in English football, Illan’s move became permanent. He has since made 107 appearances in the top flight and arrives with proven experience and quality, further enhancing our goalkeeping options ahead of the new season.
Putting pen to paper, Illan said, “I am very happy. This is 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 be joining Arsenal. I can’t wait to show my love for this icon and I can’t wait to win trophies with this team because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again.”
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Illan will wear jersey number 30 (get yours now on Arsenal Direct) and will join his new teammates when the players return to the Sobha Realty Training Center for pre-season training.
Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Illan and his family to the club.
The transfer takes place after completion of regulatory processes.
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