This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Man City have an “economic agreement” in place for Atalanta fullback Marco Palestra, according to reports in Italy.
Newspaper La Repubblica (via FCInterNews.it) claim that the Cityzens are the only team so far who are prepared to match the defender’s asking price.
Most Read on Man City News
Atalanta are holding out for a fixed fee of €50m (£43.2m) with another €5m (£4.3m) due in performance-related bonuses.
City’s main rivals for Palestra’s signature are Inter Milan, but the Serie A champions are struggling to reach the valuation.
Will Palestra move to the Etihad?
At the moment, it is not clear whether Palestra is open to joining a Premier League team. He is said to have already turned down an offer from Newcastle.
Arsenal have also been mentioned as potential suitors, although the Gunners haven’t so far made a formal bid.
For now, it seems to be a straight fight between City and Inter. You do feel that, if the Nerazzurri do manage to find an agreement with Atalanta, Palestra might favour staying in Italy, but it is not entirely clear how things will play out.
Buy the brand new 2026/27 Man City authentic home shirt from Fanatics here
Do Man City have any alternatives lined up?
Sporting Lisbon’s Ivan Fresneda has been mentioned as a possible target. Director of Football Hugo Viana signed the Spaniard when he was sporting director at the Portuguese club three years ago.
Feyenoord’s Givairo Read is also very much an option, and City’s chances of securing his services have been boosted by reports that Bayern Munich are no longer pursuing the Dutchman.
It doesn’t look like Tino Livramento will be pursued this summer. The Newcastle defender was top of the list last year, but injury issues and a sky-high asking price are said to have put off City from returning to the negotiating table.
Want more news on Man City? Add Man City News as a preferred source on Google