Arsenal summer signing emerges as Marseille transfer target
Marseille are considering a late move for Arsenal goalkeeper Illan Meslier as they assess their options before the summer transfer window closes.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna reports that the Frenchman is one of the active targets being considered by the Ligue 1 club for the goalkeeper position.
Marseille must first reduce their squad before they can make concrete progress, meaning their interest has not yet developed into formal negotiations with Arsenal.
Meslier only joined the Gunners earlier this summer after leaving Leeds United on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Elland Road.
The 26-year-old arrived as part of Arsenal’s reshuffle between the posts, adding another experienced option behind first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
However, his situation has been complicated by the presence of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has remained in north London despite having a release clause that could have facilitated a departure earlier in the summer.
Kepa is now expected to stay after that clause expired, potentially leaving Meslier facing considerable competition for minutes under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal also have highly-rated younger goalkeepers within their ranks, although Tommy Setford is expected to leave on loan before the transfer deadline in search of regular senior football.
A return to France could therefore provide Meslier with an opportunity to compete for considerably more playing time should Marseille turn their interest into a firm proposal.
The former Lorient goalkeeper already possesses extensive senior experience after spending six years with Leeds, initially joining them on loan in 2019 before completing a permanent transfer the following summer.
He went on to establish himself as their first-choice goalkeeper and accumulated more than 200 senior appearances during his time at Elland Road.
Meslier was particularly prominent during Leeds’ first spell back in the Premier League, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to record 10 clean sheets in a Premier League season in 2020/21.
His move to Arsenal this summer came without a transfer fee, meaning the Gunners could potentially generate an immediate profit if they were receptive to Marseille’s interest.
There is currently no indication that Arsenal are actively seeking to move Meslier on so soon after signing him, while Marseille’s need to complete departures presents another obstacle.
The closing days of the window could nevertheless determine whether their interest develops further, particularly if Marseille create sufficient space in their squad to make an approach.
The post Arsenal summer signing emerges as Marseille transfer target first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
