As the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal are looking at potential opportunities in the market to strengthen their squad.
With the Premier League title push hanging by a thread, Mikel Arteta will be keen to add some options that could bolster his team for the campaign as well as the future.
Arsenal have been linked with attacking midfielder transfer opportunities, as well as potential centre-forward options to come through the door at London Colney.
On top of that, some sales could be required to fund any deals, with January an awkward time to conduct much business.
There may be some chance to build out the squad though, with Arsenal now linked with an option to bolster their depth.
Illan Meslier to Arsenal transfer switch
One area where Arsenal have been making changes over recent transfer windows has been in the goalkeeper department.
Plenty of switches have been secured, with David Raya joining the club last summer, prompting Aaron Ramsdale to leave in the most recent window.
On top of that, Karl Hein’s loan move only added to the sense of panic in having to transform the goalkeeping options.
Neto joined Arsenal on loan for the season from Bournemouth, adding a short-term fix to the issue for the campaign.
However, long term, there are issues that need to be solved, as Arsenal were linked with signing Joan Garcia in a move that didn’t quite work out.
The latest name on the radar is Leeds United’s Illan Meslier, with journalist Steve Kay suggesting the Gunners could be in the race for his signature.
Speaking on KS 1, he said: “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.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal do end up making that move for Meslier in January, not least with Leeds still eyeing promotion from the Championship.
Illan Meslier’s links to Arsenal star William Saliba
Meslier’s links with Arsenal extend beyond transfer links, with the goalkeeper having played with William Saliba before in his career.
The pair featured together for the France under-21s, coming through the ranks together for Les Bleus in the backline.
They played in 2021 in the European Under-21s Championship qualification, where they managed to win five out of six games.
Since then, Saliba has gone on to make the France senior team on a regular basis, while Meslier is still gaining experience.
At just 24 years old, the Frenchman has well over 200 appearances at first-team level, which is above the usual amount for goalkeepers in his age range.
Whether that potential can turn into quality on the pitch remains to be seen though, with Arsenal potentially gambling on his ability.
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