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According to an official statement cited by Qatar News Agency, the reigning Premier League champions moved quickly to secure the free agent following the conclusion of his seven-year spell at Leeds. Meslier will provide cover and competition in what is expected to be a demanding 2026-27 season across league, cup and European commitments. The acquisition comes as the club looks to maintain its squad depth after clinching the title in May.
The 26-year-old had fallen down the pecking order at Leeds United last season, finishing as third-choice goalkeeper behind Lucas Perri and Carl Darrow, QNA data showed. Despite this, he leaves with an impressive record of more than 190 league appearances for the club, according to statistics maintained by the Premier League. Meslier also contributed to two Championship title successes during his time in Yorkshire, FotMob records confirm.
Arsenal were crowned 2025-26 Premier League champions with a game to spare in May after Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth, ESPN reported. This marked the club’s first league title in 22 years and the first for manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal.com figures show. They will open the new campaign against promoted Coventry City on August 21, as outlined in the QNA dispatch.
BBC Sport, which first broke news of Arsenal’s interest on June 30, confirmed the deal’s completion earlier this week. The signing on a free transfer will allow the Gunners to potentially send young goalkeeper Tommy Setford out on loan for development, Sky Sports reported. Meslier’s Premier League experience of more than 100 matches makes him an ideal fit for the backup role, an assessment from The Athletic noted.
Career statistics compiled by ESPN place Meslier’s total appearances for Leeds at 215 across all competitions through the end of last season. An Athletic profile published in June highlighted his earlier promise as one of Europe’s standout young goalkeepers before a dip in form. The transfer was completed this month following his release by Leeds last week, multiple reports confirmed.
QNA further detailed that the contract runs for three seasons, tying Meslier to the Emirates Stadium until 2029. This addition bolsters a goalkeeping group that helped deliver the title last term through strong performances from the primary keepers. No further details on potential cup involvement were provided in the initial announcement.
