Arsenal are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds, while Real Madrid have issued a categorical denial of any intent to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Meslier, 26, who lost his place as number one at Leeds and is out of contract this summer, was at the club’s training centre in Hertfordshire on Tuesday to finalise the move and undergo a medical. The agreement comes after BBC Sport first revealed Arsenal’s interest on 30 June. As things stand, Meslier will arrive as third-choice behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, but with doubt over Arrizabalaga’s future, he could be promoted to number two. The imminent arrival is expected to see teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford leave on loan this summer.
“Arsenal agree free transfer for Illan Meslier as Real Madrid deny plans to sign Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.”
Separately, Real Madrid have moved to quash speculation linking them with Enzo Fernandez. “The club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation,” a club statement said. The denial follows reports that the Argentina midfielder, who cost Chelsea a British record £107m in February 2023, was keen to leave after Chelsea failed to secure European qualification. Chelsea have confirmed they have not received any approach from Real and have valued Fernandez at £120m, though they are not actively looking to sell. The 25-year-old scored 15 goals last season and remains a key player for Argentina at the World Cup. Real, who have already signed Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella this summer for up to £51.8m, added that the speculation is “unfounded and does not correspond to reality”.