Story perspectives

Arsenal Sign Leeds Keeper Meslier, Trossard Exit Delayed

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Arsenal will sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a transfer, pending a medical.
Illan Meslier left Leeds United June 2026 after a 2-2 draw with Swansea in March 2025.
Arsenal will keep Illan Meslier as a third-choice goalkeeper, leaving the Kepa Arrizabalaga-David Raya race unchanged and allowing a loan of midfielder Tommy Setford, two appearances.
Arsenal will let forward Leandro Trossard leave, pausing his Besiktas move because Belgium remains in the World Cup.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Chelsea broke the transfer market by paying £7 million for goalkeeper Petr Cech, setting a Premier League record. Cech helped Chelsea win the 2005-06 Premier League, conceding just 15 goals in 38 matches, a club-record defensive tally. Arsenal’s 2026 pursuit of Illan Meslier mirrors that historic goalkeeper acquisition, as the club adds the Leeds United talent while retaining Kepa Arrizabalaga and David Raya. The move pressures Arsenal’s goalkeeping hierarchy, potentially reshaping loan strategies for Tommy Setford and influencing Leandro Trossard’s delayed Besiktas transfer amid Belgium’s World Cup campaign.

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Story summary

Arsenal will sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a transfer, pending a medical.
Illan Meslier left Leeds United June 2026 after a 2-2 draw with Swansea in March 2025.
Arsenal will keep Illan Meslier as a third-choice goalkeeper, leaving the Kepa Arrizabalaga-David Raya race unchanged and allowing a loan of midfielder Tommy Setford, two appearances.
Arsenal will let forward Leandro Trossard leave, pausing his Besiktas move because Belgium remains in the World Cup.

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