Arsenal Eye £35m Move for Atalanta Goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi

According to reports from Italian outlet Tutto Atalanta, Arsenal are said to be 'very interested' in signing Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi this summer, with a fee of £35m reportedly enough to seal the deal.

The 25-year-old has impressed in Serie A, establishing himself as a reliable shot-stopper for the Bergamo side. Arsenal, who have David Raya as their first-choice goalkeeper, are reportedly looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department, potentially adding competition or a long-term successor.

Context and Background

Arsenal ended the campaign strongly, with David Raya winning the Premier League's Golden Glove award after leading the league in clean sheets. However, behind Raya, the club lack a proven deputy after letting several goalkeepers leave in recent windows.

Carnesecchi, who joined Atalanta in 2023 from Cremonese, has made 16 Serie A appearances this season, keeping 8 clean sheets and conceding only 18 goals. His performances have earned him a reputation as one of Italy's most promising young goalkeepers.

The reported £35m fee would represent a significant investment for a backup goalkeeper, but it could also signal Arsenal's intent to secure a starting-calibre option capable of challenging Raya. Atalanta are known for driving hard bargains, and the fee may be negotiable.

Impact and Analysis

Brought to Atalanta by Gian Piero Gasperini, Carnesecchi is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is quick off his line, traits that align with Mikel Arteta's preference for a goalkeeper who can play out from the back.

The move would also have implications for Arsenal's other goalkeepers. Aaron Ramsdale, who lost his starting spot to Raya last season, could be sold, with several Premier League clubs believed to be monitoring his situation.

  • If signed, Carnesecchi would likely be the primary backup to Raya, with Ramsdale potentially leaving.
  • At £35m, the fee would be among the highest paid for a backup goalkeeper, reflecting Arsenal's financial muscle and ambition.
  • Carnesecchi's distribution and composure under pressure could suit Arteta's tactical demands, offering a similar profile to Raya.

Fantasy Premier League Perspective

For FPL managers, Carnesecchi is unlikely to be a factor immediately if he is second choice. At 25, he is valued at around £4.5m in the game, but his game time would depend on Raya's fitness and fixture congestion.

If he were to become the number one, his price could rise. Until then, managers should monitor the situation during pre-season.

What's Next

Arsenal are expected to formalise their interest in the coming weeks, with official talks likely to begin once the summer transfer window opens. Atalanta are under no pressure to sell, as Carnesecchi's contract runs until 2027, but the player's desire to join a Premier League club could sway the deal.

For the Gunners, strengthening the goalkeeping position is a priority after Raya's loan was made permanent. Whether Carnesecchi arrives as a competitor or a deputy, the move signals Arsenal's intention to build depth in all areas of the squad as they look to contend on multiple fronts next season.

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