Chelsea are scouring the market to find a replacement for Marc Cucurella after he was sold to Real Madrid, and the Blues have made an enquiry to sign Serie A’s best defender in 2025-26.
Cucurella’s departure came out of the blue, with Chelsea and Real Madrid agreeing a £52m deal. It saw Jose Mourinho raid Chelsea for the fifth time since he left Stamford Bridge after his first spell in 2007.
RATE 1-10: Is Marc Cucurella’s exit good business by Chelsea?
The Spain defender, who was praised by Spanish media despite his country’s draw with Cape Verde on Monday evening, has signed a six-year deal at Madrid and leaves a gaping hole in Chelsea’s starting XI.
The Blues have already been linked with a raft of left-sided defenders, and now Gianluca Di Marzio has named another full-back that Chelsea are considering signing in the coming weeks and months.
Chelsea and Man City open talks to sign Marco Palestra
Sky Italy’s Di Marzio now reports that Chelsea and Man City have opened talks to sign 21-year-old Marco Palestra. A two-time Italy international, Palestra has starred on loan at Cagliari during the 25-26 season.
The Atalanta defender was so good that he won the Serie A Defender of the Season award for 25-26, while on loan at Cagliari. A brilliant breakthrough season for Palestra, having won his first Italy caps.
Luxembourg v Italy - International Friendly
Photo by Claudio Villa – FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images
The interest in Palestra is an interesting one for Chelsea, with the Blues hardly in need of a right-back. The West London side currently have Reece James and Malo Gusto, while Josh Acheampong can play there.
However, Chelsea might be forward-planning. Xabi Alonso may prefer to use James in midfield, while Man City have made a move to sign Gusto, with Enzo Maresca’s new side keen to bring in a right-back.
Marco Palestra was also Serie A’s quickest player last term
Not only did Palestra win the award as Serie A’s best defender, but he was also clocked as the quickest player in Italy’s top tier. Two impressive accolades that were always going to generate plenty of interest.
Who would you rather see at left-back next season, Jorrel Hato or Lewis Hall?
Hall is being linked with a return to Chelsea following Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid 🇪🇸
Split image of Chelsea's Jorrel Hato and Newcastle United's Lewis Hall
Credit: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside/Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
That pace allows Palestra to get forward, contributing five goals and assists last season for Cagliari, but also gives him the time to get back into position and stop any counterattacks. The ideal right-back.
Little surprise that Man City want to sign him, as they look for a long-term successor to Kyle Walker. Chelsea do not need Palestra as things stand, but that could change quickly going into the summer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox