Arsenal will soon need to add another goalkeeper to their ranks.
Whilst David Raya is established as the No.1 at Arsenal and has impressed in the role, back up for the Spanish shot-stopper is currently being provided by Neto.
Neto is only at the Emirates Stadium on a season-long loan, and is yet to make his debut for the Gunners. The 35-year-old clearly isn’t a long-term option and isn’t capable of seriously challenging Raya for his place in the team.
Mikel Arteta will want a younger back up goalkeeper who can put some pressure on Raya, and serve as a reliable understudy.
Arsenal tried to sign Joan Garcia in the summer, but now look to have pivoted to another target.
Arsenal linked with Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier
According to journalist Steve Kay, the North London club are now eyeing up Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Speaking on KS1 TV, Kay reported: “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.”
Arsenal fans may feel somewhat underwhelmed by the transfer link, as the 24-year-old goalkeeper has not covered himself in glory in the Championship this season.
Meslier is not a popular figure at Elland Road, either. One Leeds fan recently used a key stat to prove that the Frenchman has been the third-worst goalkeeper in European football in recent seasons.
Whilst it is worth bearing in mind that Meslier is still relatively young for goalkeeper, has Premier League experience and has impressed in the past, it would represent a risk if Arsenal were to sign him.
Arteta may want to listen to what Leeds fans on X are saying about the transfer target.
One stated: “I don’t understand how he’s survived this long… if they just want a “ball-player” to start moves, put a midfielder between the sticks… they’ll probably save as many as Meslier and distribute the ball better.”
Another claimed: “Just seen that Meslier stat…3rd worse goalkeeper in the world statistically, it’s so embarrassing that our club allow these bozos to still play.”
Another added: “It’s ridiculous really considering Meslier has been at Leeds for 4yrs & hasn’t improved.”
Meslier howler goes viral
Meslier was brought to the attention of football fans all over the world earlier this season after a mistake he made in a clash against Sunderland went viral.
Millions saw as the goalkeeper somehow managed to completely misread the flight of what ought to have been an easy ball for him to gather. Instead, Meslier found himself stranded and watched the ball drift past him and into the back of the net.
Arteta may wish to rethink his interest in signing Meslier. However, it is vital that the Gunners have a replacement for Neto lined up.
Arsenal’s attempts to sign a goalkeeper in the summer were a mess, and the North Londoners can’t afford a repeat of that chaos next time around.
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