Leeds now expect to sell Illan Meslier this summer – a player who has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea. That is according to The Athletic . So, what is the latest on Illan Meslier and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – according to The Times – Chelsea are monitoring the France international as Mauricio Pochettino aims to find a replacement for Edouard Mendy this summer, while there are also doubts over Kepa Arrizabalaga’s ability to continue as No.1 next season.
Now – according to The Athletic – Leeds expect to sell Meslier this summer, as the Whites feel a change of scenery is needed for the Frenchman following a difficult end to the 2022/23 campaign, in which he was dropped by Sam Allardyce.
It is said that Leeds also expect to receive a large profit on the £5m initially spent on the 23-year-old when signing him from Lorient in 2020. Leeds are said to want £30m for Meslier this summer.
The Leeds No.1 has shown plenty of promise in between the sticks, and became the youngest goalkeeper in history to rack up 100 Premier League appearances back in March. Unfortunately, playing behind a very leaky defence for a number of years at Leeds saw Meslier lose confidence, although there is no denying that he has the potential to become one of the best goalkeepers around one day.
Meslier has already said he would join Chelsea This is certainly one to keep an eye on, as Meslier has already admitted he would move to Stamford Bridge – as long as he is named No.1 ahead of Kepa. The Frenchman told RMC Sport:
“If it is to go and be on the bench… I’m not interested in that. If it’s to be the number one, of course, you can’t say I’m not interested in Chelsea.”
Therefore, this deal definitely seems possible if Chelsea make a move for Meslier. Be sure to keep an eye on the situation, as anything could happen this summer.