Olympique de Marseille have identified Arsenal goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a solution to their goalkeeping shortage following the departure of Gerónimo Rulli to Manchester City. According to Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 side view the former Leeds United stopper as a primary target, though financial constraints mean they must sell existing players before any transfer can proceed.
Meslier finds himself in a peculiar position despite having only completed his free transfer to the Premier League champions this summer. The Frenchman joined Arsenal after his contract expired at Elland Road, where he had lost his starting place during the latter stages of last season. At the Emirates Stadium, he currently sits third in the pecking order behind established starter David Raya and summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Marseille rebuild between the posts
The Provence club face an urgent need to reinforce their goalkeeping department after losing Rulli to the English champions. The Argentine international has moved to the Etihad Stadium to serve as the No. 2 option behind Ederson, leaving Marseille with limited experienced cover. Jeffrey De Lange featured in the club’s opening day victory against RC Strasbourg Alsace, yet questions remain over whether he represents the long-term solution.
Meslier is not the only name under consideration. Marseille are also tracking Standard Liege goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo, indicating a broad search for suitable candidates. The dual interest suggests the club are preparing contingency plans should negotiations for their preferred target prove problematic.
Sales required before progress
Financial restrictions currently block any immediate advance for Meslier. Marseille must generate funds through outgoing transfers before they can commit to new signings, a situation that introduces uncertainty over the timeline for any potential deal.
For Meslier personally, a switch to the Vélodrome could offer the regular first-team football that has eluded him since his final months at Leeds. Having progressed through the ranks at FC Lorient before his previous spell in English football, a return to his native France might prove attractive despite his recent move to London.
The situation remains fluid as Marseille work to balance their books. Should they fail to offload squad members in time, they may pivot toward Epolo or other alternatives to resolve their goalkeeping dilemma before the window shuts.