Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has revealed he is open to leaving Elland Road this summer, but insists he would need first-team guarantees over a move to Chelsea. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge with Mauricio Pochettino keen to bring in a new goalkeeper during his first summer in charge. Meslier, who has also been monitored by Manchester United in recent seasons, has spent four seasons at the Yorkshire club but following their relegation back to the Championship, has suggested he may now seek a fresh challenge.
The 23-year-old however is not interested in a move that would leave him sat on the substitutes bench, insisting he will want to be no1 choice wherever he is playing his football next season. ‘It is complicated when you’re in such a situation. We no longer have a coach, our club is being purchased by the 49ers group – there are lots of unknowns,’ Meslier told RMC Sport. ‘For now, I have a contract until 2026. Officially, I still belong to Leeds. I will have to think about what could be the best project, be that at Leeds or another club.’
Quizzed on Chelsea’s interest, he continued: ‘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.’ I’d prefer to go to a less reputable club where I’ll have more game time than a top European club where I’d sit on the bench.’ Kepa Arrizabalaga was the preferred no1 under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard this season but the futures of both the Spaniard and Edouard Mendy are uncertain with Chelsea’s bloated squad set for a major clear-out this summer. Inter Milan shot stopper Andre Onana is also thought to be a Chelsea target with the Cameroon international admitting after Saturday’s Champions League final defeat to Manchester City he is uncertain over where his future lies. ‘The truth is that I’m happy here, but then at a certain level you never know how it will go,’ Onana said. ‘I have no problems with Inter. I have an excellent relationship with them and I’m at their disposal. I’ll do what they tell me.’