Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack has questioned the club's decision to sign Illan Meslier from Leeds United on a free transfer, calling it a 'strange signing' and suggesting the Frenchman has 'thrown the towel in' by accepting a third-choice role.
Meslier's Move to Arsenal
Meslier joined Arsenal in July after his contract at Leeds expired, having spent six seasons at Elland Road. The 26-year-old made 215 appearances in all competitions for Leeds, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League twice, in 2020 and 2025. However, last season he was frozen out by manager Daniel Farke, failing to make a single first-team appearance after falling behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow in the pecking order.
At Arsenal, Meslier is expected to serve as backup to David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. He made his debut in a pre-season friendly against Girona earlier this month. His arrival is likely to push young goalkeeper Tommy Setford out on loan before the transfer deadline, a development that has not pleased Stack.
Stack's Criticism
Speaking to Metro via Lad Casino, Stack expressed his bewilderment: 'Look, he's experienced, but it's highly unlikely that you would use him. My question is, is there not another goalkeeper at Arsenal Football Club that's capable of that? What are they doing at the club that they're not producing any goalies? They just keep signing goalies. At what point is there going to be an Arsenal goalkeeper that's going to, not even break through, but I'm talking about being a number three.'
Stack also questioned Meslier's decision to become third-choice at such a young age, saying: 'I question him, I really do question the goalkeeper. The reason I say that is that he's got Premier League experience, he's played countless games in the Premier League, he's got bundles of experience, been at Leeds for I don't know how many years. He's played loads of games, and maybe he doesn't have that burning desire to go and play games and put himself under pressure. Maybe that's what he's after. But I'm just surprised with someone of Meslier's quality that he's decided to almost chuck the towel in and be a number three.'
Arsenal's Transfer Activity and Title Hopes
Alongside Meslier, Arsenal have made Piero Hincapie's loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent, while Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes have joined from Club Brugge and Newcastle United, respectively. The club is still targeting signings at left wing and centre-back.
Despite his concerns about the goalkeeping situation, Stack believes Arsenal are heavy favourites to retain the league title. 'Absolutely, Arsenal will win it,' he said. 'I think Arsenal will be buzzing after last year, and think it's a situation now where it's basically the monkey off their back. They will be going into the season absolutely buzzing, and with the signing of Guimaraes and probably more to come between now and the start of the season, I think they will definitely strengthen.'
He added: 'The only concern would be how fatigued some of the players might be after Christmas in the crunch end of the season, when there are so many games in the league, domestic competitions and the Champions League, especially after a summer World Cup. Rotating the squad is going to be key this season, so stopping players getting fatigued and looking tired just requires a big enough squad to make the changes and rotate players effectively. Just keep freshening it up.'
Stack concluded: 'I fancy Arsenal to go and win it, but I think that it will be a close-run race with Man City, I think City will be close behind them.'
