Report: Leeds and Arsenal eye Italian teenager Marco Carnesecchi

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Italian website TuttoB have claimed that both Leeds United and Arsenal are interested in raiding Champions League side Atalanta to sign teenage goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, as he continues to shine on loan.

Still only 19 years of age, Carnesecchi has already earned five caps for Italy’s Under-21 side and his excellent form at senior level this season has seemingly caught the attention of both Leeds and Arsenal.

Leeds signed an Italian youngster in Elia Caprile from Chievo in the summer, though the goalkeeper is well down the pecking order behind the likes of Kiko Casilla and Illan Meslier. He is expected to feature regularly for the Under-23 side.

But Carnesecchi is already much more senior than Caprile. Not only has he Italy Under-21 caps, but he has clocked up 24 senior games for Serie B side Trapani this season on loan from Atalanta – who have reached the Champions League quarter-finals.

TBR’s view – Which is best for Carnesecchi, Leeds or Arsenal?

Leeds are expected to sign Meslier on a permanent basis from Lorient, but it remains to be seen what action will be taken surrounding Spain international Casilla – after he was banned for eight matches after an incident with Jonathan Leko.

Carnesecchi will need first-team game time, or at least be a number two and he has more chance of doing that at Leeds, than Arsenal. However, the lure of the north London club will be difficult to turn down.