Arsenal have completed the free signing of Illan Meslier, a move that risks repeating the club’s recent goalkeeping missteps just months after their Premier League title triumph. The 26-year-old French keeper arrives at the Emirates after his release from Leeds United, where his final season was marred by costly errors.

Why Meslier’s arrival spells trouble for Arsenal

Meslier’s five-year stint at Leeds ended poorly, with a string of mistakes exposing his flaws. In October 2024, he misjudged a cross against Sunderland, fumbling it into the path of an opponent. Two months later, he repeated the error against Swansea, while in January 2025, he fumbled another cross and made a rash decision to rush off his line against Hull City. Those lapses highlight his shaky box presence-a critical trait for Arsenal’s high-line system.

His form last season was abysmal. In 2025/26, Meslier made just two appearances, both in Premier League 2 for Leeds’ u21 side. His stock has plummeted so far that he barely featured in Leeds’ senior squad, raising doubts over his readiness to step in for the Gunners.

The pattern Arsenal can’t shake

This isn’t the first time Arsenal have gambled on a third-choice keeper. Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson, Neto, and Kepa Arrindell all arrived with limited pedigree, only to cost the club goals when thrust into action. In Kepa’s case, his errors directly cost Arsenal the Carabao Cup last term. Combined, those three conceded at least three goals in just 19 appearances-proving that backups aren’t just backups when things go wrong.

Meslier’s flaws mirror those of past failures. His concentration lapses and poor decision-making under pressure make him a liability in a system that demands sharp reflexes and composure. If Kepa stumbles again, Arsenal’s only alternative could be a player with a worrying recent track record.

What happens next for Arsenal

Arsenal’s hierarchy insists Meslier is a low-risk option, but history suggests otherwise. The club’s goalkeeping carousel has cost them dearly, and Meslier’s arrival does little to address the core issue: a lack of reliable depth between the posts.

The Gunners kick off their title defence on August 16 against Brighton. If Meslier is forced into action early, the warning signs from his Leeds days could resurface fast. The club’s goalkeeping curse may not be over yet.