Arsenal have a new goalkeeper – but David Raya isn’t going anywhere.
The Gunners have instead recruited a new back-up to their Spanish shotstopper.
Somewhat surprisingly, Illan Meslier joins on a free transfer after leaving Leeds United at the end of 2025/26.
Once touted for great things, it could be argued that Meslier’s stock has never been lower.
The 26-year-old Frenchman ended up as surplus to requirements at Leeds, falling to third in the pecking order behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow.
It’s a far cry from his first-ever FPL season in 2020/21, when he amassed 154 points as a £4.5m ‘keeper.
In truth, even back then, there were question marks. In his three campaigns as Leeds no. 1, Meslier had an awful expected goals prevented (xGP) total of -33.0.
Meslier is expected to take up a similar squad role at Arsenal, behind Raya and, if he stays, Kepa Arrizabalaga. So he’s a no-go for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.
