Meslier signs as Kepa looks for the exit
Illan Meslier is an Arsenal player. The 26-year-old French goalkeeper joins on a free transfer after leaving Leeds United, with the club confirming the move on Thursday (1) (2) (3) (5). His arrival fills the gap left by Kepa Arrizabalaga, who wants out this summer (5).
Meslier kept it simple in his first statement: "I am very happy and very proud to join Arsenal. I can't wait to show the love I have for this badge, and I can't wait to win titles with this team, because this is a club that needs to lift titles again and again" (4).
He will wear the number 1 shirt.
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Bruno Guimaraes wants Arsenal move
Bruno Guimaraes has told Newcastle he wants to leave, and Arsenal is the destination he wants (6). Newcastle are bracing for offers, with Tottenham also circling, but the Brazilian midfielder has his sights set on the Emirates (6).
Reports from L'Equipe suggest a 5-year contract is already agreed in principle. The first bid of €70m was knocked back by Newcastle, but a deal around €80m looks likely (6) (9). Lyon would bank roughly €6m from a sell-on clause if it goes through.
Saka, Saliba and Rice could sit out until October
Three of your biggest names may not feature until October. Saka, Saliba, and Rice are all candidates for extended rest after deep World Cup runs, with the club weighing an early-season preservation plan (7). Arsenal start the campaign as defending champions and may need the full squad firing later in the autumn.
Nusa on the radar as Trossard prepares to leave
Arsenal are tracking RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, the Norway international, as Leandro Trossard's expected departure opens a spot on the left flank (8). No bid yet, but the club is firmly in the race. Nusa has also drawn attention from several other Premier League sides.
Fan reactions
Gunners fans are buzzing about the Guimaraes links. The leaked L'Equipe details, €80m, a 5-year deal already agreed, Lyon's sell-on clause, lit up the subreddit, with supporters calling it the kind of statement signing a title defence demands. The Meslier announcement got a quieter reception: respect for his Premier League experience, but most eyes are on the Brazilian. A separate rumour about Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis for £35m is also floating around, though fans see that as a squad piece, not the main event. Read the full Guimaraes thread
