Arsenal battle Manchester United for Atalanta goalkeeper

The Premier League’s two traditional heavyweights could be on a collision course long before the new season kicks off, with Manchester United and Arsenal both tracking Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Carnesecchi, 25, has enhanced his reputation during a standout Serie A campaign, registering 10 clean sheets in 26 league outings and establishing himself as one of Italy’s most reliable young shot-stoppers. His performances have put Europe’s top divisions on alert, and sources in Italy believe Atalanta may be open to a sale if they fail to secure Champions League qualification.

While the clubs’ overall window strategies diverge—Arsenal are expected to prioritise attacking reinforcements, whereas United are concentrating on defensive and midfield upgrades—recruitment teams from both sides have already sounded out intermediaries about the goalkeeper’s availability. The overlap has set the stage for a potential bidding duel.

United are thought to hold a key advantage in terms of pathway to first-team football. Andre Onana’s long-term future at Old Trafford is uncertain, and moving the Cameroon international on, either permanently or on loan, is viewed internally as a prerequisite to any deal for Carnesecchi. By contrast, Arsenal’s goalkeeping hierarchy appears settled, with David Raya established as No. 1 and Kepa Arrizabalaga offering experienced cover.

Atalanta, for their part, have not committed to selling, but the club acknowledge that Senne Lammens’ encouraging form since his arrival provides competition rather than an outright barrier to Carnesecchi’s departure. A satisfactory offer, particularly from the Premier League, could test their resolve.

With preliminary talks under way, the race for Carnesecchi’s signature could become one of the window’s early flashpoints, pitting two of England’s biggest spenders against one another in the market before a ball is kicked in pre-season.