Arsenal are reportedly planning to strengthen their goalkeeping options in the summer, with Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi emerging as a key target. Despite David Raya remaining the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, manager Mikel Arteta is seeking a more experienced backup to provide depth and competition for the starting role.
Currently, 35-year-old Neto serves as Raya’s deputy, having joined Arsenal from Bournemouth last summer. However, Neto’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and he is expected to leave once his deal concludes. While young goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Jack Porter are part of Arsenal’s setup, Arteta is keen to bring in a seasoned professional to fill the gap left by Neto’s impending departure.
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Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that Carnesecchi, a 24-year-old shot-stopper, has caught Arsenal’s attention. Since joining Atalanta as a teenager in 2017, Carnesecchi has developed through loan spells at Trapani and Cremonese, earning a regular spot in Atalanta’s first team. Last season, he made 27 Serie A appearances, and he has already featured 17 times this term, cementing his role as one of the standout goalkeepers in Italy.
Carnesecchi’s performances have also extended to European competition, with six appearances in this season’s UEFA Champions League. The Italian has represented his country at the Under-21 level, though he is yet to earn a senior cap.
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Atalanta are reportedly not actively looking to sell their first-choice goalkeeper, who is under contract until 2026. However, the Italian club may be open to a sale in the summer to avoid the risk of losing him on a free transfer down the line. Reports suggest Atalanta would demand a fee in the range of €40-50m (£33.2-41.5m), making a January transfer unlikely.
Arsenal hold a potential advantage in negotiations due to their strong relationship with Carnesecchi’s agent, fostered during the Riccardo Calafiori deal. However, Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be preparing a move for the Italian goalkeeper, which could complicate Arsenal’s pursuit.
Carnesecchi’s impressive performances against Arsenal in their 0-0 draw earlier this season, where he made several key saves, may have further solidified his position on Arteta’s radar. However, any transfer would depend on assurances regarding his role at the club. Carnesecchi is reportedly wary of facing a situation similar to Neto’s, as the Brazilian has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal since his summer arrival.