Arsenal have completed the free transfer of former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, while Manchester United are on the verge of signing another ex-Leeds shot-stopper, Karl Darlow, as Premier League clubs jostle for reinforcements on a frenetic day of dealmaking.
Meslier, 26, signed a two-year contract with the option of a further year after leaving Leeds this summer. The Frenchman made 215 appearances across seven seasons for the Yorkshire club, keeping 70 clean sheets. “I cannot wait to win trophies with this team, because this is a club that needs to lift trophies again and again,” he said. BBC Sport first revealed Arsenal’s interest on 30 June. Meslier arrives as third-choice behind David Raya, who won the Premier League Golden Glove in 2025-26 with 19 clean sheets, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, with Arrizabalaga’s future in doubt, Meslier could be promoted to number two. The move is expected to send 20-year-old Tommy Setford out on loan.
“Arsenal sign Meslier, Man Utd close on Darlow, Guimaraes wants Arsenal move, Santos passes medical.”
Across Manchester, United are close to adding veteran Karl Darlow to their goalkeeping ranks. The 35-year-old, who left Leeds at the end of June, made 22 Premier League appearances last season and finished as Daniel Farke’s first choice. He is also Wales’ current number one. The signing is likely to trigger the exit of Altay Bayindir, with Radek Vitek also set to leave after impressing on loan at Bristol City. United head coach Michael Carrick needed additional cover after 40-year-old Tom Heaton – who has not played a first-team game since February 2023 – left him short. Darlow is expected to be involved in the pre-season campaign starting against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July, provided the deal completes.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also closing in on a £35m deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, according to the Sun. The 24-year-old former Norwich City player would replace Leandro Trossard, who is set to depart for Besiktas in a £17m move. The Gunners have also been boosted by Bruno Guimaraes’ desire to join them: the Newcastle United captain has asked to leave, though Newcastle insist he is not for sale. The Magpies have already signed Sean Steur from Ajax and agreed a £50m-plus deal for Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for midfielder Andrey Santos, who is undergoing a medical. Tottenham are close to selling Luka Vuskovic to Brighton in a deal potentially worth £150m. Crystal Palace have confirmed the free transfer of Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo, the first signing under manager Pierre Sage. Wolves have agreed a £7.7m fee for Standard Liège winger Rafiki Saïd as they aim for an instant Premier League return, having already brought in Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez on free transfers. Leeds have also completed a deal for Harry Wilson.
With the summer window in full swing, clubs are racing to shape their squads ahead of the new season.