The January transfer window is just around the corner, and Arsenal could be busy this winter.
Indeed, the Gunners do have a few positions in their squad that need bolstering.
Arsenal need a new striker, and the Gunners have been linked to Alexander Isak recently, while a new goalkeeper could also be on the agenda.
Arsenal looked at signing Joan Garcia in the summer, but that deal never came to fruition.
Neto eventually arrived on loan, but the Brazilian is not a long-term solution for the Gunners.
Speaking on KS1 TV, Steve Kay has been discussing Arsenal’s transfer plans in January, and he says that he’s been told Leeds’ Illan Meslier could be an option for the Gunners.
Arsenal could go for Illan Meslier
According to Kay, Arsenal are looking at Meslier.
The journalist says that he hasn’t necessarily heard this from a top source, but this is one worth keeping an eye on.
“Is there any other transfer stories about at the moment?” Kay was asked.
“There’s a few. Arsenal are looking at a goalkeeper. Possibly a goalkeeper could come in in January. I have been given a name. The Leeds goalkeeper is someone I’ve been told. I need to look into that. It’s not from one of my top sources if you like, but it’s one we’re keeping an eye on. Illan Meslier,” Kay said.
What Aaron Ramsdale said about Illan Meslier
Meslier is an interesting goalkeeper to say the least.
The £5m man does have a mistake in him, and Meslier has been heavily criticised in the past.
However, he is a good shot-stopper, and during his time in the Premier League, he was playing in a team that was, very often, under a lot of pressure.
Indeed, Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch’s intense styles of play meant that Leeds faced tons of shots when they were in the Premier League, and while Meslier conceded plenty, he also kept a few out.
Interestingly, former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale defended Meslier from criticism during his time in the Premier League.
“When we played Leeds away Meslier has made five or six saves first half but they were 3-0 down,” Ramsdale said.
“Nobody was mentioning his saves, they mentioned one of the goals which he might have done better for.
“If you get 10 shots at you, more times than not you’re going to let one in, but that’s what people always talk about. That’s for another day, but that winds me up.”
Meslier is by no means a bad goalkeeper, Tottenham have been linked with Meslier in the past, while Manchester United have looked at the Leeds star too.
TBR Football’s understanding of this situation is slightly different, via Graeme Bailey.
Meslier has told Leeds that he will leave if they aren’t promoted at the end of the season, as he has ambitions of being France’s number one at the 2026 World Cup.
That said, Meslier is open to signing a new deal if Leeds do go up.
Rennes are keen on Meslier, but the goalkeeper believes he can join an elite club. However, he does want to be first-choice at his next club, which may be an issue at Arsenal given David Raya’s status as number one.