Arsenal are weighing up a bid for Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, according to Tuttosport (via TMW).
The Italian newspaper claims that the 24-year-old is being targeted as a replacement for Neto, who is set to return to Bournemouth when his loan deal expires next summer.
Carnesecchi’s performances for Atalanta this season have helped La Dea top the Serie A table, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side having a two-point lead over Napoli.
Tuttosport report that the Gunners have been keeping a close eye on the Italian’s progress in recent weeks and months.
Arsenal do have an advantage in the race to sign the keeper
Carnesecchi’s form will undoubtedly attract other potential suitors but the Gunners do have an important connection that may give them the edge over the competition.
The Atalanta shot-stopper has the same agent as Gunners star Riccardo Calafiori – Alessandro Lucci. Considering he played a crucial role in the defender’s transfer from Bologna back in July, he may also help Mikel Arteta’s team get a move over the line for another Italian player.
Carnesecchi has been on the club’s radar for several years
Arsenal were first linked with the goalkeeper all the way back in April 2020 – four and a half years ago. At the time, he was on loan at Serie B side Trapani but his potential had already been identified by club scouts.
Since then, Carnesecchi has had two further loan spells (both at Cremonese) but, on his return to Atalanta last year, he gradually established himself as the club’s first-choice keeper, having won the battle with Juan Musso for the gloves. The Argentinian international had started last season as No.1 but by Christmas, he had been relegated to bench duties and left for Atletico Madrid (on loan) back in August.
Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here