Arsenal agrees to sign goalkeeper on free transfer

Arsenal reached an agreement to sign goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds. BBC Sport first reported the club's interest on 30 June. Meslier and his representatives visited the training centre in Hertfordshire on Tuesday to finalize contract terms and undergo a medical.

Contract and squad context The 26-year-old is out of contract this summer and has lost his place as the number-one goalkeeper at Leeds. He is expected to join Arsenal as the third-choice option behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arsenal has explored options for a replacement goalkeeper because of uncertainty over Arrizabalaga's future.

If Arrizabalaga departs, Meslier could move into the second-choice role.

Youth goalkeeper movement Meslier's arrival will result in teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford leaving the club on loan this summer.