Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Marco Palestra’s performances this season, and he will be on the market for €50m (£44m) this summer, according to reports in Italy.
Tuttosport claim that Atalanta will hold an “auction” for the right-back at the end of the season when he returns from his loan spell at Cagliari.
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Interest in Palestra is very high, with the Gunners being joined by other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle and Liverpool, in pursuing the Italian international.
Atalanta believe they will find it difficult to hold on to the defender, and they will accept an offer if it matches their valuation.
What do fans need to know about Palestra?
The 21-year-old came through the youth ranks of Atalanta, going on to make his senior debut against Rakow in the Europa League back in December 2023.
Palestra made 16 appearances for the Serie A side before it was decided to loan him out to Cagliari last summer, so he could get more first-team experience.
The right-back has been a regular starter this season, playing 30 games in all competitions. It should be pointed out, though, that he has mostly been deployed as a wingback by Cagliari boss Fabio Pisacane.
Do Arsenal need another fullback?
It is fair that manager Mikel Arteta is not short of options at the back. Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly provide cover on the left-hand side of defence, while Jurrie Timber and Ben White are options for the right.
However, there have been doubts over the long-term future of White. The 28-year-old has suffered a series of injuries over the last two seasons, and he is closing in on the final two years of his contract.
It is more than likely that Palestra is being considered as a replacement if White’s departure is sanctioned during the summer transfer window.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here