Illan Meslier reveals desire to join Chelsea but sets out condition

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has opened the door for an exit from Elland Road and to join one of the interested parties Chelsea.

The French shot-stopper has been tipped for a move to a big club following Leeds’ relegation, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also registering interest to sign him.

Chelsea are in the hunt for a new keeper as they have decided to look beyond underperforming Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy.

Meslier has emerged as a top target for the Blues following his eye-catching progress with Leeds despite the club’s decline in recent seasons.

The 23-year-old has made 126 appearances for Leeds, winning the club’s Young player award for the 2020/21 season.

The former Lorient star has insisted that he prefers moving to a less famous club where he can enjoy a more prominent role but didn’t rule out the possibility of joining Chelsea should he be guaranteed the first-choice keeper.

“If it’s to go there and be on the bench, that doesn’t interest me. If it’s to be number one, of course you can’t say ‘no, I’m not interested in Chelsea,” Meslier told RMC Sport. 

“I prefer go to a less famous club but where I will have playing time than to a top European club where I am on the bench.”

Meslier is currently with the French U-21 side ahead of the U-21 European championship.

His contract at Elland Road expires in 2026, and the Yorkshire outfit are demanding a fee in the region of £40 million.

Alternatively, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are keeping tabs on Serie A keepers Andre Onana and Mike Maignan.

Inter Milan’s reluctance to sell Onana has led them to direct their attention towards AC Milan’s Maignan, who is reportedly among the players unhappy with the club’s dismissal of technical director Paolo Maldini.