Arsenal Circle Atalanta's Carnesecchi as Potential Raya Competition

Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Atalanta's Marco Carnesecchi, with the Gunners reportedly keen on the Serie A side's goalkeeper as they look to build depth behind David Raya.

The north London club have enjoyed their finest campaign in years. They claimed the Premier League crown for the first time since 2003/04 and made it all the way to the Champions League final, representing a significant step forward from last season's second-place league finish and European semi-final exit.

Raya has been instrumental in that success, claiming the Premier League Golden Glove award for three consecutive seasons and establishing himself as one of the club's most vital assets in recent times.

Yet Arsenal's recruitment team has apparently identified Carnesecchi as someone worth pursuing. The 25-year-old started all ten of Atalanta's Champions League matches this season, posting three consecutive clean sheets among his overall tally of three shutouts in the competition. Across all competitions, he recorded 17 clean sheets, placing him sixth in Serie A's rankings with 13 to his name.

Atalanta are holding firm on valuation, demanding €40million (£34.7m) with no room for negotiation. Whether Arsenal view that as worthwhile for the Italian remains uncertain.

Both Atalanta and Carnesecchi are understood to be aware of the Gunners' overtures, though any potential transfer remains very much in the air. The arrival of a Champions League-tested goalkeeper would presumably come with ambitions of eventually competing for the number one spot, particularly given his pedigree at the highest level.

Contract situations could prove decisive. Kepa Arrizabalaga's deal runs through 2028, as does Raya's, meaning any new arrival might necessitate movement in the goalkeeping department. It would be Kepa, rather than Raya, facing an uncertain future should Carnesecchi arrive at the Emirates.