Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have turned their eyes toward Marco Carnesecchi, the Atalanta goalkeeper who has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young talents. With the January transfer window approaching, both clubs are contemplating bolstering their squads with the 24-year-old shot-stopper, following his impressive performances this season.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal has been actively scoping out Carnesecchi, having observed him closely during matches, including the scoreless draw against Atalanta back in September where he showcased some remarkable saves. The Gunners are reportedly on “excellent terms” with Carnesecchi's agent, owing to previous dealings surrounding Riccardo Calafiori’s transfer to the club. This rapport may provide Arsenal with an advantageous position when vying for the young goalkeeper.
While Arsenal appears poised for action, PSG is also preparing to make their move. The French club, alongside their plans for strengthening their squad, has identified Carnesecchi as a viable long-term investment to boost their goalkeeping unit. Reports suggest PSG is assessing several options and may make Carnesecchi their target next summer.
Carnesecchi, who has already sealed his spot as one of the standout goalkeepers this season, is currently contracted with Atalanta until June 2028. The club has not set an official price for their rising star, but industry insiders speculate they would be reluctant to entertain offers below €40-50 million (£33.2-41.5 million). With such high valuations, this poses potential complications for both Premier League and Ligue 1 giants, particularly if they aim to finalize deals this winter.
Despite their heavy involvement, Arsenal has other priorities it hopes to address during this window. The team, under manager Mikel Arteta, has acknowledged deficiencies within its attacking depth which may require more immediate action. Nevertheless, the pursuit of Carnesecchi remains on their radar, signaling their long-term aspirations of enhancing their goalkeeping arsenal. Any center signing could prove pivotal, especially as they navigate the final months of the season with current goalkeeper David Raya under scrutiny.
Arsenal's need for reliable options stems from the ambiguous situation surrounding their third-choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford, who is attracting loan interest from various clubs. This consideration creates urgency for Arsenal; should they let Setford depart, they would need to secure another goalkeeper to shore up their ranks before contemplating the potential cost of acquiring Carnesecchi.
Observing the competitive dynamics, both Arsenal and PSG’s interest positions Carnesecchi favorably on the transfer market. His recent accolades, including maintaining five clean sheets and delivering standout performances—like the match against Cagliari where he registered eight saves—underscore the appeal he holds for clubs with ambitions of contending at the highest levels.
Though rumors surrounding Carnesecchi are expected to escalate leading to the summer, Arsenal’s earlier scouting initiatives and favorable relations with his agent hint at the possibility of securing his services before PSG can solidify their intentions. Each club’s strategic vision may dictate their trajectories, but for now, Carnesecchi’s future remains uncertain as he continues to shine for Atalanta.
It seems both Arsenal and PSG are prepared to engage heavily for Carnesecchi come the next transfer window—a move signaling their pursuit of excellence and need for adaptability. With Arsenal striving to shore up its squad for imminent challenges and PSG plotting for future prospects, Marco Carnesecchi stands at the center of this intriguing transfer narrative.
