Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has told French outlet RMC Sport that he would be open to joining Chelsea this summer if he was to go to Stamford Bridge and be first choice – but would ignore interest if he was back up.
Meslier, 23, is one of a number of Leeds players likely to leave the club this summer. It comes after being the club’s no.1 for the three seasons Leeds were in the Premier League – only to be axed by Sam Allardyce in his four games.
Leeds have since been relegated, with the club confirming that Joel Robles would be leaving on a free. The stopper has been invited to continue pre-season training with the club – with the potential a new manager could keep him.
A report from TMW recently stated that Chelsea and new manager Mauricio Pochettino could battle Manchester United for Meslier, who is touted to become France’s no.1 goalkeeper down the line. Meslier spoke about Chelsea.
“To go there and be on the bench, not interested. If it’s to be no.1, you can’t say ‘no, I’m not interested in Chelsea’. I prefer to go to a smaller club where I will have playing time than to a top European club where I am on the bench.”
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier open to joining Chelsea if he is first choice
So, would he be first choice? The short answer is no, probably not. Not immediately anyway. Yes, Chelsea’s two goalkeepers have been criticised over the past couple of seasons – in Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arizzabalaga.
But, is Meslier any better? You would say, probably not. Mendy is poor with his feet and Meslier certainly beats him in that regard. But Mendy is commanding – Meslier’s one big fault. The Frenchman lacks the ability to control.
Crosses into the box are a problem with Meslier in goal. A superb shot-stopper, when his confidence is high. That dipped towards the end of the season. Kepa is probably the best of the three. One or two would need to be sold.
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