Arsenal show interest in Atalanta's Carnesecchi but must contend with a €40m valuation

 

ARSENAL ARE CONSIDERING A MOVE FOR ATALANTA GOALKEEPER MARCO CARNESECCHI, BUT COULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY AS MUCH AS €40 MILLION DUE TO INTEREST FROM PSG. MIKEL ARTETA IS LOOKING TO STRENGTHEN HIS SQUAD WITH ADDITIONAL DEPTH BEYOND DAVID RAYA

Arsenal's pursuit of a new goalkeeper is heating up as the club reportedly targets Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi, with manager Mikel Arteta keen on bolstering his squad's depth between the posts. While Aaron Ramsdale has been the first-choice goalkeeper, Arteta has been looking for additional competition and backup options to strengthen his squad and prepare for a grueling season ahead. The Gunners are particularly focused on adding depth beyond David Raya, who arrived on loan from Brentford in the summer.

Carnesecchi, 24, has impressed with his performances for Serie A side Atalanta and is widely regarded as one of the top young goalkeepers in Europe. His quick reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and strong distribution have earned him plenty of admirers across the continent. The Italian shot-stopper’s potential to develop further has caught the attention of several top clubs, including Arsenal, as they look to secure a long-term option for the future.

However, Arsenal's pursuit of Carnesecchi could be complicated by competition from French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who are also reportedly interested in the talented goalkeeper. PSG's ambition to maintain a world-class squad has seen them explore options to improve their own goalkeeping department. With Gianluigi Donnarumma's future at the club in question, the Parisians are in the market for a reliable backup or potential successor, which could drive up the price for Carnesecchi.

Atalanta is expected to demand a significant fee for their young goalkeeper, with reports indicating that they could ask for up to €40 million to part ways with the player. While this sum is hefty for a goalkeeper with limited top-flight experience, Carnesecchi’s potential and growing reputation make him a valuable asset. For Arsenal, the financial outlay may be justified if the player can provide long-term security and competition in the goalkeeper position.

Mikel Arteta’s decision to seek depth in goal reflects his desire to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts. Last season, David Raya's arrival raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether the move was necessary given Ramsdale’s solid performances. However, Arteta has made it clear that he values competition in every position, and adding another goalkeeper of Carnesecchi’s calibre would further strengthen his squad.

The goalkeeper’s arrival would also give Arteta more flexibility in managing his squad. Ramsdale, who has faced challenges in securing his spot as the undisputed No. 1 under Arteta, could face increased pressure with Carnesecchi's potential arrival. The Gunners boss will be eager to ensure that his team is well-equipped to deal with the demanding nature of the Premier League, domestic cups, and European competitions.

As the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal's pursuit of Carnesecchi will intensify, with both Atalanta and PSG likely to drive a hard bargain. For now, the Gunners will need to act swiftly if they are to secure the young goalkeeper ahead of the competition.

With Arteta’s emphasis on squad depth and the long-term planning of the club, Arsenal’s pursuit of Marco Carnesecchi could be a key move in ensuring the Gunners maintain a competitive edge both domestically and in Europe.