Manchester United are stepping up their chase for Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, with reports suggesting they are ready to put in an offer of €40 million. The move comes as manager Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen the squad, especially in goal, amidst ongoing doubts about current number one André Onana.
The Red Devils have made Carnesecchi, who is 24 years old and turns 25 next week, their main target for the summer transfer window. Atalanta, however, are looking for a fee closer to €50 million for the talented Italian. United are hopeful that adding bonuses to their offer could help bridge this gap.
Carnesecchi is highly rated and had a strong season for Atalanta, keeping 13 clean sheets in Serie A in 2024-25. He also set a new club record for clean sheets in his second season. He has played 88 Serie A games and nine Champions League matches.
The potential transfer of Carnesecchi is closely linked to the future of André Onana. United need to find a new club for Onana to free up funds and make space on the wage bill for any new goalkeeper. Onana has faced criticism after two difficult seasons at Old Trafford. Whilst he wants to stay and fight for his place, he recently said he does not know what his future holds. There has been interest from the Saudi Pro League, but no concrete offers have been made yet.
United have also been looking at other goalkeepers, including Marc-André ter Stegen from Barcelona and Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa. Martinez is reportedly keen to join United if he leaves Villa Park. Porto's Diogo Costa and Botafogo's John Victor have also been mentioned as targets. Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton has signed a new one-year deal at Old Trafford.
Beyond the goalkeeper situation, United have been busy in the transfer market. They have already bought Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million and left-back Diego Leon for £3.2 million. The club are also close to signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, after making a second bid reportedly worth £65 million. Amorim also wants a new central midfielder, with Christian Eriksen expected to leave. United have also asked for more information on Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The club's ability to secure Carnesecchi, or any new goalkeeper, will depend heavily on whether they can move Onana on. If Onana stays, he is likely to start as the team's number one in the new season. This highlights the need for United to get outgoing deals done to make way for new arrivals.
