With the summer transfer window just around the corner, Premier League clubs are jostling for position to snap up some of Europe’s top talents – and one of them is thought to be in Newcastle United’s sights at the moment.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, the Toon have identified Atalanta’s Marco Palestra and are looking to push a deal through.
However, while Newcastle’s interest in the player appears to be concrete, they are not alone in the race to acquire his signature. Premier League rivals such as Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the player, while Inter Milan are also believed to be interested.
Newcastle appear to be leading the pack – Liverpool aren’t seeing him as a priority at the moment, while Arsenal and City have yet to confirm their interest. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen which of the quintet will get their hands on him after all is said and done.
Marco Palestra 2025/26 Serie A Stats
Games Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
Marco Palestra 37 1 4 3 0
For such a young defender, Palestra is already incredibly well-rounded. While he excels most when playing as a right-back or right-wingback, he can also function on either wing or as a left-back.
Additionally, he’s also a very clean and well-refined defender. Despite having played 37 Serie A games this season, he has only collected three yellow cards, with no red cards or second yellows to speak of. Players of his age don’t often show such levels of composure.
Such pliability is becoming more and more crucial in elite football. Players are being asked to play an unprecedented number of games – furthermore, the intensity in which the game is played is also increasing with each passing year. As such, players who can field multiple poistions are being granted more importance, due to the need for squad rotation.
Who would benefit the most from Palestra’s arrival?
Newcastle United had a tough campaign in 2025/26, as they finished 14th in the Premier League table, below the likes of Brentford, Brighton and bitter rivals Sunderland after 38 games had been played. However, one position in which they are not struggling is full-back – on both sides of the pitch.
Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are both excellent players – if Palestra is brought on board, he’d likely be used as a backup option to these two. This aside, if either of them leave the club in the summer, one can expect Newcastle’s efforts to sign him to increase.
Likewise, Arsenal also have some brilliant full-backs at their disposal. Not only do they have excellent starters (Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori), they also have some very capable backup options (Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie). If he moves to Arsenal, he risks being lost in the mix.
While Liverpool might only see him as an outside target, we think they’d be his best option. The Reds struggled at full-back last season – Palestra is still young, but he could be just what the doctor ordered at Anfield.