Manchester City have been linked with a move for Atalanta’s Marco Palestra and will be asked to pay a massive amount.
Sport Witness have covered how Enzo Maresca will be keen on bringing the Italian to the Etihad. The wing-back spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Cagliari and impressed enough to earn a call-up to the Italian national team.
This has also caught the interest of Inter Milan, who can lose Denzel Dumfries in the summer.
As a result, a race of sorts can break out between Manchester City and the Nerazzurri. Even if Inter won the Serie A, they are likely to be at a significant disadvantage in a move for the Azzurri starlet.
Massive demand put forward
Journalist Paolo Bargiggia spoke to L’Ascia Raddoppia podcast last week and was asked about Palestra’s situation.
He said Inter have held a meeting with Atalanta for the youngster. But La Dea responded with a massive demand that will also apply to Manchester City.
Bargiggia said – via InterLive: “I have to say something about Palestra that seems scandalous . They held a transfer market meeting at Atalanta, with Giuntoli officially appointed as the new sporting director.
“The Bergamo club is making crazy valuations, asking €75m for a transfer abroad and €60m for a Serie A transfer.”
The journalist also spoke specifically about the Citizens, hinting they will be at an advantage. Inter will, in fact, struggle to sign Palestra.
“Manchester City are interested in Palestra, so at this stage it’s likely they’ll be aiming high. But I think Atalanta will have to come to some terms, even if they’re not a club that does that often.
“This summer, Inter will sell Dumfries to Liverpool or Barcelona and want to replace him with Palestra, but €60m is a tough call! It will be very difficult for Marotta and Ausilio to land the full-back .”
Atalanta always a difficult club
Historically, Atalanta have always sold their best players for big amounts. Manchester City may not have to look too far for that, as Manchester United know how La Dea operate. Teun Koopmeiners was sold to Juventus for a massive fee and Mateo Retegui headed to the Middle East for €61m last year.
That is why it won’t be a surprise if Atalanta leave the Citizens shocked by their initial asking price. They know that Palestra is probably attracting more clubs from England, who can possibly pay a significant amount. Besides, the Italian has high potential, plays various positions and can use both feet.
Palestra came through La Dea’s academy and anything they earn will go down as a capital gain.