Graham Stack questions Illan Meslier’s Arsenal transfer decision

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack has questioned Illan Meslier's decision to join the Gunners this summer, arguing the Frenchman has sacrificed regular first-team football by accepting a backup role at the Emirates Stadium.

Meslier arrived on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Leeds United, adding experienced cover to Mikel Arteta's goalkeeping department alongside David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

However, Stack believes the 26-year-old should still be looking to establish himself as a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper admitted he was surprised Meslier had chosen to join the Premier League champions knowing he would likely be third-choice.

Stack believes the Frenchman has the experience and quality to compete for a starting position at another top-flight club.

"I question him, I really do question the goalkeeper.

"He's got Premier League experience, he's played countless games in the Premier League, he's got bundles of experience."

Stack suggested Meslier's decision may indicate he no longer has the desire to compete for a starting role every week.

"I'm just surprised with someone of Meslier's quality that he's decided to almost chuck the towel in and be a number three."

Stack also questioned why Arsenal continue to recruit experienced goalkeepers instead of promoting from within.

The arrival of Meslier is expected to see highly-rated youngster Tommy Setford leave on loan in search of regular football.

According to Stack, Arsenal should already have an academy goalkeeper capable of filling the third-choice role.

"What are they doing at the club that they're not producing any goalies?

"At what point is there going to be an Arsenal goalkeeper that’s going to, not even break through, but I'm talking about being a number three."

Despite the criticism, Meslier has spoken enthusiastically about beginning a new chapter in North London.

The goalkeeper believes joining Arsenal represents the biggest opportunity of his career after a difficult final season at Leeds.

Having already featured during pre-season, Meslier is determined to compete for silverware under Arteta.

"I'm extremely happy. It's a great day for me because I have just joined the champions.

"For me, Arsenal is the biggest club in England."

While critical of the Meslier signing, Stack remains optimistic about Arsenal's prospects this season.

The former goalkeeper believes additions such as Bruno Guimaraes, Piero Hincapie and Christos Tzolis have strengthened the squad further.

"Absolutely, Arsenal will win it.

"I think Arsenal will be buzzing after last year… with the signing of Guimaraes and probably more to come, I think they will definitely strengthen."

Stack expects Manchester City to remain Arsenal's closest challengers but believes the Gunners are favourites to retain the Premier League crown.

Meslier is expected to continue competing with David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga during pre-season as Arsenal prepare for the new campaign. Meanwhile, Tommy Setford is likely to complete a loan move in search of regular first-team football after slipping further down the goalkeeping pecking order.